Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: Samantha Egan Dr. Marie Werner opened and closed the community meeting in the Gottesman Room Nov. 7.

5 year, combined degree students can now walk at graduation. This issue was solved on the spot at Nov. 7's community meeting, consisting of students, faculty and staff in the Gottesman room during common hour.

"It may seem small," said the student who brought up the issue. "But we want to walk with our friends."

At first, Dr. Geoff Brackett, Pace's chief academic officer, said the issue was still being discussed, however later in the meeting, thanks to an email from his blackberry, it was announced that the discussion was over and the decision was made.

Other topics included Pace's financial status, campus appearance, and school spirit. The ground rules for the meeting included a two minute time limit and that everyone was to be treated as equals. One student inquired about the current financial status of Pace since last year when he said it "seemed like there was a bad situation."

President Friedman said the school was experiencing a "major turn around," that the numbers of each school except one had increased since last year. He said the school has budgeted a deficit and that he feels "quite comfortable where we are."

The elimination of the Pace Promise, the plan where each freshman class was guaranteed that the tuition would remain the same each year, was questioned by a freshman. Friedman said the Pace Promise was eliminated because it was partially responsible for the recent financial hardships.

"The effect of the guaranteed tuition promise would result in a much higher freshman tuition," Friedman said.

Another student requested that steps be taken to measure retention rates, and to offer counseling to students who are unhappy at Pace, before they take the steps to request a transcript and apply to other schools.

Robina Schepp, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Managemen,t said that steps are already being taken to increase Pace retention rates, such as increasing the number of advisors. There are now 47 of full-time faculty members teaching University 101, and therefore are serving as advisors. Also, she said Pace is looking at modifying core courses to appeal to different groups of students. She also added that they would do more outreach in the future for unhappy students.

The abundance of flies throughout campus was one of several issues brought up concerning the appearance of campus.

One student said the problem had gotten so bad that she couldn't eat in her townhouse. William Link, the director of Facilities Management, said that they have adjusted air curtains and ordered more bug lights.

"The problem will go away with the cold," he said. "But that's not the solution." He said that they will continue to work closely with the exterminator, but that the problem is partially related to the unusually warm weather patterns.

The issue of the "gray, rundown" appearance of the townhouses, and the "dated" bathrooms and furniture inside them were brought up by a student who lives there.

Douglas Mac Dougall, Vice President for Facilities Management, responded by saying the recently met with a student representative with a list of improvements that are being estimated and that the improvements will hopefully be underway this summer.

As far as the green algae on the pond goes, Dr. Charlene Hoegler, a biology and health science professor, said the algae is called "lemna". She said the pound is a "very much alive body of water," therefore, dredging the pond or putting chemicals should be a last resort since it would kill the wildlife living in it.

One student said that she felt Pace lacked of school spirit, and that she was disappointed with U Fest.

John Agnelli, Director of Student Affairs, addressed the question, suggesting that the student stop by the office to get a calendar of events and also to help plan future ones.

Several students and faculty stressed that it is important for both students and faculty to show up to events.

"We really do need your engagements…having folks leave on Thursday becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy," said Darnita Killian, Vice President for Student Affairs.

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