The Observer, December 7, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 13
Editorial: Semester Grades
Office of Undergraduate Studies – C is for Confusing. Graduation applications for seniors were due on Monday, yet some were still waiting for their Degree Progress Reports to update online. Some students still don't know if they'll be able to graduate on time. And confusion remains regarding differences between SAGES and non-SAGES requirements. Processes should be streamlined to avoid stress for both students and deans.
Varsity Athletics – A is for Accomplished. A big round of applause goes out to the athletes and coaches on Case's several nationally ranked teams so far this year. Women's cross country placed sixth at the NCAA Div. III Championships; football made it to round two of the Div. III NCAA Playoffs; soccer was nationally ranked all season, peaking at No. 2; men's cross country was nationally ranked for most of the season; and now women's swimming is ranked No. 24 in the country. We look forward to cheering on the Spartans for many seasons to come.
Athletics Department – D is for Disregard. Yes, the great success of our varsity athletics this year can be partly attributed to hiring and recruiting decisions made by the Athletics Department. But too many secrets seemed to hide behind the tennis team issue and the firing of track coach Dennis Harris. It isn't normal for an entire tennis team to quit because of a coach, and student requests for action and information were ignored. We're not impressed.
Barbara Snyder – P is for Praiseworthy. President Snyder has renewed our hope for Case Western Reserve University and rebuilt the stability that was lost with the reign and collapse of the Hundert administration. She's made it clear that she values the opinions of every constituent of this university, and has made an effort to meet students though events like Pizza with the Prez and Snyder at the Spot. Hopefully she can charm alumni into increasing donations.
Class Officers – I is for Irrelevant. We gave the Class Officers an A last semester for their newfound autonomy, but it seems that they've done little with it. Events for 60 people, advertised a day before they take place, don't help us get to know our classmates. Work on building class unity instead of providing sushi or IHOP for a privileged few.
Greenies – F is for Futile. We give up. Though they've been ineffective for years, catching a Greenie these days is nearly impossible. USG is working on the Greenie Improvement Initiative, a comprehensive review of the shuttle system, but most of us would agree that it can be summed up in one word: frustrating. Let's skip the review and start fixing obvious problems.
