When I first became The Observer’s executive editor, I was enthralled by our observer@case.edu email account—an odd obsession, I know. I enjoyed going through our many, many daily emails and directing relevant messages (which comprise a depressingly low percentage of our total mail) to pertinent contributors and editorial board members. At one point, our former opinion editor and my personal friend Jordan Reif made some dig about how active I was on that email account. Jokingly, I responded, “Well, I am The Observer.” To my chagrin, this nickname stuck—I was actually in her contacts as “The Observer” for a while.

With my final homecoming as a student this week and the 52nd anniversary of The Observer’s founding this month, I’ve been thinking a lot about the legacy I will leave behind at The Observer. And I’ve come upon a few simple realizations: First, thinking about my legacy while I’m still here is kind of stupid and second, I am not The Observer—no single person is. 

Instead, we are all The Observer. Every executive editor, director, editorial board member and contributor, regardless of how long they were on the team, is The Observer. And together, we’ve made The Observer what it is today—a force for truth, justice and transparency.

That being said, The Observer’s visage has changed many times in its 53 years. Founded shortly after the uneasy federation of Western Reserve University and Case Institute of Technology, The Observer quickly found its first identity as an ardent anti-Vietnam War outlet. Since then, The Observer has gone through numerous redesigns, switched production schedules and consistently fine-tuned content.

To honor The Observer’s impact on both its staff and CWRU’s community, we’ve created this insert for this special Homecoming issue. Thanks to a diligent perusal through Kelvin Smith Library’s digital archives, we were able to collect some of our greatest hits—pieces that tell the story of the intersection between The Observer and CWRU.

I hope you enjoy this compilation and the opportunity to explore our history—I’ve certainly enjoyed working to create it. In particular, I have been struck by a sense of solidarity toward past CWRU students, realizing that some issues—whether it be funding, housing or campus life—have spanned the generations.

1969: CWRUCEWV studies offensive
Student strike, march on DC

At a meeting Tuesday evening the possibilities of demanding a shutdown of all University classes Nov. 14 and demanding that the University appropriate funds for transportation for students who plan to attend the National Demonstration in Washington Nov. 15, was studied by the Committee to End the War. 

The meeting began with a brief outline of the “Fall Offensive” organized by the National Student Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam. The “Fall Offensive” consists of a National Student Strike Against the War on Nov. 14 and a massive march on Washington on Nov. 15. 

The National Student Strike has been called to serve as a build-up for the November 15 action. The National Committee hopes to shut down many colleges and high schools across the country. Where this is not possible, other actions which tie into the strike, such as mass rallies, picket lines, workshops, debates, and teach-ins will take place. 

The action on Nov. 15 will consist of a “march against death” which will both symbolize and pay tribute to the Americans and Vietnamese who have been killed in Vietnam. The March will begin at Arlington National Cemetery at midnight on Nov. 13, and move single file past the White House and on to the Capitol. Each marcher will carry the name of a war victim and place that name in a coffin at the Capitol. After the March ends Saturday morning, the 15th, the coffins bearing the names will be taken to the White House. 

CWRU’s committee, in accordance with the plans of the National Committee, decided to set up a steering committee which would put the Nov. 14 class shutdown plan into action on this campus. They also hope to draw up demands which should call on the university to supply the funds necessary to send CWRU students to the National Death March on Washington. This, they feel, would force the University to take a stand on the war in Vietnam. 

The group also hope to set up a program of workshops on Oct. 15 in accordance with the Vietnam Moratorium initiated by the Vietnam Moratorium Committee. 

The Vietnam Moratorium is a nationwide strategy to maximize public pressure to end the war. Approximately 300 student body presidents and newspaper editors across the country have called for a “moratorium” on “business as usual” in order that students, teachers, and concerned citizens may spend that day working against the war in their communities. It is hoped that the momentum of the planned fall actions will make possible for a nation-wide school shutdown on that day as well.

Volume I, Number IV, Sept. 19, 1969

1972: Admissions Office in state of dilemma
Policy? None
Soheyla Gharib

Admissions is a funny business at CWRU. 

Stacks and stacks applications on the desks of the assistant directors of admissions and no admissions policy. The administration has given the admissions department no guidelines to use in their annual selection of the 1300 most qualified applicants, and so, those who do the selecting, the assistant directors of admissions, have had to play it by ear. They select the kind of student the university has been selecting for the past few years, and will continue to do so until a different policy is drafted. 

But there is something inherently wrong consistently selecting the same kind of student over the years. An admissions policy should reflect what a university is and what it plans to become. Obviously, this university is trying to change its image. And equally obvious is the fact that the success or failure of that effort can only be determined by the kinds of people who choose to apply to CWRU. 

The need, therefore, for an admissions policy is hardly trivial. If ever this university hopes to change its image, it must have a concrete policy which will help the admissions department select students consistent with the University’s goals. 

Such a policy would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to draft. “CWRU is suffering from a sort of identity crisis. It has changed so rapidly, perhaps almost too rapidly, in the last decade, that it has totally lost sight of exactly what it is,” said Assistant Director of Admissions John D. Grozdina. 

What kind of student, then, does the admissions department select? According to assistant director Douglas Ita, 70 to 75% of all applicants are accepted. So, the question becomes, not one of whom to accept, but rather, whom to reject. “In general, we reject those who fall far below the average level of competence of all applicants. More generally, we reject those applicants who would be unable to cope academically, and fail in the freshman year,” said Grozdina. The admissions department appears to be successful in their judgement, Grozdina pointed out, because the attrition rate is very low. 

Grozdina also mentioned that this general criterion different kinds of applicants to be accepted to Case Institute of Technology as compared to those accepted to Western Reserve College. For example, while someone with a mathematical S.A.T. score of 620 might be well above the average Adelbert student, that score is far below the average Case student’s. Because the nature of Western Reserve College’s curriculum is different than that of the Case curriculum, the kind of students accepted to each must necessarily be prepared for different academic careers. 

The assistant directors of admissions are optimistic about the future of the university. Both Ita and Grozdina claimed that the academic performance of students, as indicated by examination scores, has been steadily increasing. A progressively better group of applicants from a wider and wider geographic territory have been applying to CWRU. Also, the number of transfer students to CWRU has increased over the last few years. 

The reason the admissions department is not more selective now is due primarily to practical considerations. According to Ita, 1200 to 1300 students must be accepted annually in order to receive the necessary income, from tuition to run university. Unlike Harvard University, which receives 9000 applications for admission a year, CWRU receives only a limited number of applications. From these, the most qualified students, the students who are capable of coping with the academic pressure here, are chosen. Thus, the admissions department takes what it can get. 

It is the job of the communications department to increase the pool of applicants. Much work has been done in this area in just the past year, according to Director of Communications, Richard E. Baznik. Representatives from the Admissions department go around the country talking to parents and students at college night programs in communities. Also, posters are sent to about 26,000 high schools around the country telling little bit about the university and including a tear-off slip which can be sent in for a catalogue. 

Furthermore, the university is advertised in the New York Times and various regional guides to American colleges. Stories are also sent to the home town, local newspapers of students at CWRU who have recently made news or had some outstanding achievement. 

Finally, many students travel around the country, expenses paid by the university, in the month of January, talking to high school students and their parents about CWRU. 

Baznik emphasized that by going to prospective students in this way, the number of accepted applicants who will actually enroll will increase. This is important because, as indicated, it is not the policy of this university to bend standards only to be insured of a freshman class of 1300 students. Rather, it achieves the same result by going out and actually talking to prospective students. 

The job of increasing the pool of applicants is an important, though a difficult one. attributed two main reasons to the limited number of applicants to CWRU. First, until the late 1950’s, Western University was a commuter college. It was not until Roland Heinz, Director of Admissions in the Millis administration, made a publicity push, that out-of-staters began to Presently, 60% of the students at CWRU come from out of state. 

Secondly, he pointed out that in the 1960’s, half of the people who were in college, were in state schools. Since then, the image of state schools improved immensely and tuition of private institutions has skyrocketed, so that now three-fourths of all college students today are in state schools. Thus, the pool of applicants has shrunk considerably.

Volume III, Number XXVI, Jan. 14, 1972

1976: New housing policy
Nan Alexander

A new University policy including extensive changes in present procedures administration was announced in a January 15th memorandum from University President Louis A. Toepfer. Western College student leaders expressed opposition to the suddenness of this announcement and to the lack of opportunities for dialogue on the issues preceding the action. 

Concentration of all freshmen and some upperclassmen from both colleges in South Campus housing, and of professional, and Institute students in North Campus facilities are the major elements of the new policy. The general aim of these changes is greater integration of Case and Western Reserve students in the dormitories. 

A new Director of University Housing will be appointed by March 1st. Candidates for the post are being reviewed by University Vice President James Taafe, who hopes to select someone presently employed in the University. The new University Housing Office will assume the duties of the housing currently under the Deans of the two colleges. 

An open meeting with President Toepfer regarding the new housing policies will be held Thursday, February 5th, at 7:30 pm. in Schmitt Auditorium. This meeting will be an opportunity for students to discuss the housing changes. 

Patricia Kilpatrick, WRC Dean of Student Affairs, and Helga Orrick, Director of South Campus Housing, will attend the dormitory meetings on North Campus scheduled Monday evening, February 2nd, also to discuss the policies. 

Tippett House, in the Murray Hill complex, will be open for student inspection Monday and Tuesday, February 2, and 3, from 12 noon to 1 pm. 

Other changes outlined in the memorandum are uniform regulations for all campus housing and specified dates for undergraduates by fraternities and sororities. 

All undergraduates living in the dormitories, with the exception of juniors and seniors in North Campus housing, will be required to participate in their choice of a 21 or 14 meal board plan. Board options fraternities will be unchanged. 

Room assignment procedures will also change. The first priority is to fill all of the units in the South Side dorms, with most of the units to be filled by incoming freshman. 

According to Dean Kilpatrick the reaction of Western Reserve students have been less favorable towards the new policies, “You have to recognize students are generally happy where they are. A sudden abrupt change brings negative comments.” She added, “When the possibilities are explored there may be advantages.” 

One of the main advantages of the change, as described by Richard Baznik, Special Assistant to the President, will be consolidation of Western Reserve and Case students by housing them together. 

Concentrating the body on the South Side will leave Stone complex vacant on the North Side. Structurally, the Stone complex has more potential for alternative use than Murray Hill buildings. This fact was given major consideration when the new housing policy was being developed.

Raymond House will continue to be used as a conference center. Institute and graduate students will be given first priority for North Campus accommodations. Upper class who currently reside on the North Side will be given second priority in the drawing, however, it is hoped that there will be many people who will voluntarily move to the South Side.

In the past, because of a “one for one trade” policy between the separate offices it has been difficult for a Western student to move into Case housing. This policy will no longer be in effect.

The South Campus location is potentially desirable for science majors and pre-professional students because it is closer to many of their classes. In a suite arrangement every resident has a private room. However, the suite has a shared living room and one common telephone.

Volume VII, Number XX, Jan. 30, 1976

1984: USG allocates $5,000 to Exec Committee
Dan Linke

Almost one-third of the total money allocated to student activity groups was awarded to the Undergraduate Student Government Executive committee last night. The allocation came after a bill sponsored by the USG Finance Committee was passed almost unanimously by the USG Assembly. All money allocated comes from the student activity fee. 

Some Assembly members also prepared for a retreat at Sawmill Creek in Huron, Ohio this weekend. The retreat’s purpose is to find a service project for the USG and to define personal goals for USG involvement. 

The USG Executive Committee received $5,000 of the $15,500 allocated, which will pay for the planned kiosk/billboards and whatever project the Assembly chooses this weekend. The Archery Club received the next highest amount, $1481, followed by the Chess Club with $720. The Women’s Center received $607, and the Case Glee Club $557. 

All the allocations were proposed in one bill. Assembly member John Doski was the only person to oppose the bill. 

There was some discussion concerning the Lebanese Student and the International Club’s allocations since they have also received funds from the University Programming Board. Asked about the “double-dipping” of some organizations, USG President Jim Vosmik said that he did not like it but that the matter would have to be looked at closely before any restrictions could be legislated.

Sue Stinger, USG vice-president, pointed out that the recent reorganization of the USG and UPB leaves both of the boards’ roles somewhat undefined. “What has to be done is the USG and the UPB will have to get together. We need guidelines on what each body will handle,” she said. 

The planned retreat this weekend, whose cost is estimated at $1500, will stress goals and development for the USG as a group and as individuals. Workshops entitled “Themes for Development of USG” and “Personal Goals for Involvement in USG” are two of the presentations planned. The retreat will cost $1500 or less, according to Ryan Meredith, chairman of the Development committee, which planned the weekend. “We planned for 33 persons, but only 23 will be able to attend,” he said.

Volume XV, Number XVI, Jan. 19, 1984

1987: Final merger report readied
Eric Baud

The proposed merger of the undergraduate colleges of CWRU is one step closer to completion. The task force, consisting of faculty administrators, has completed a proposal which outlines the restructuring of undergraduate colleges and administration. 

Restructuring undergraduate colleges of CWRU has been a long and involved process, but the proposed outline appears to be finished and ready for consideration. According to Glenn Brown, director of strategic planning, the task force’s proposal outlines the administrative hierarchy which will govern the newly created undergraduate college. The proposal does not go so far, however, as to designate the specific structure which the constituent faculties will take. 

Under the proposal, undergraduate colleges will be under the jurisdiction of a “super dean” who will report directly to the University provost. Beneath the undergraduate dean will be the three deans of the constituencies. They are engineering; mathematics and natural sciences; and humanities, arts, social and behavioral science. 

Both Brown and Calhoun, dean of student affairs, agreed that there was substantial consensus among the task force that the proposal reflects the best program which the University should follow. The major issue the faculty concerned with, however, is the reporting position of the “super dean.” 

Part of the purpose of restructuring is to give undergraduate deans a position of authority equal to that of the graduate school deans. concern is that by creating the new dean position under the provost, the individual deans of “the three constituencies will be knocked down one more rung on the hierarchy of power. 

Brown said that part of what the task force tried to iron out is the cynicism with which some of the faculty, task force members included, view the restructuring. According to Brown, the attitude among some is that they are afraid that the changes are merely for the sake of change and will not really be of any great benefit to anyone. He stated that there is an undercurrent of “I hope everything won’t be the same after reorganization.” 

The task force’s plan is that the four undergraduate deans will collectively have a great deal of clout within University. It is the belief among much of the faculty that although the undergraduate programs at CWRU have a budget and a large portion of the total University enrollment, they are treated as secondary to the graduate programs by the rest of the community. 

The proposal will be mailed to the undergraduate faculties for their consideration over the next two weeks. It will then be presented at the February meeting of the faculty senate, at which time recommendations of the constituent faculties will be presented as well. In late February or early March, entire University faculty must vote on the proposal by paper ballot. The final step is presentation of the proposal to the board of trustees at their meeting on March 18. 

The task force decided not to disclose the contents of the proposal to The Observer until the faculty has seen it. However, Brown did say that it consists of three sections. The first section is a history and status of CWRU, while the second part outlines the first phase of planning and the mission statement that resulted. The third and final section contains the organizational recommendations. 

The student body will not be left out of the decision process, according to Brown. He said, “When we are ready to go to the faculty, we will also go to the students. This should begin sometime in the next few weeks.” 

Although the restructuring does involve the creation of three constituent faculties, Brown said that the proposal will not influence salary and tenure policies. 

The work of the task force was summed up by Calhoun, who Stated, “The task force has done a thoughtful job. The proposal contains nuances rather than departures from the spirit of what we’ve been talking about all along.”

Volume XVIII, Number XV, Jan. 16, 1987

1992: Social life needs University’s investment
Editorial Board

The spring term is underway, and aside from the snow on the ground, not much has changed. Luckily though, cable TV is available to students. Though students may find the addition of cable TV entertainment (especially now that it is available in every room), it is not enough. Cable TV will produce the same effect as CWRUnet: students will be lured into their rooms and encouraged to stay there. 

Services such as CWRUnet and cable TV provide some entertainment (and education) options … when they are options. But, left as the only sources of entertainment, students desiring more social recreation are forced to search outside the CWRU campus. Both options, unless changed, harm the University’s social climate. It is time the University promoted and invested in more social forms of entertainment. 

Although the University cannot solve all problems, it can help provide some of the social desires of the students, such as a dance club. 

On campus, existing space can be upgraded and utilized. Wade World serves as a successful example. In terms of a dance hall, Carlton Commons, the Rough Rider Room and the Spot—despite sporadic use during the last semester—could be developed into true student clubs. Many will argue that these places cannot be brought back to what they once were, one being the enforcement of the alcohol policy. True, in their current state, these establishments would attract the same attention they did last year. But if the University offered more funding and worked in combination with UPB (which has displayed the ability to put on a good show when supported), success is possible. As for alcohol enforcement, the majority of students interviewed in The Observer stated that alcohol was not a priority and many times not even a consideration. 

Of course, any investment the University makes carries a risk. But, while CWRU is celebrating (and rightly so) an incredibly successful $350 million fund-raising campaign to enrich academic life, social life remains stagnant.

Volume XXIII, Number XIV, Jan. 24, 1992

1995: Suitemates win ‘dirty’ money
Carole Bruner

Some people still think that Case Western Reserve University is a military school. More informed people consider all students to be geeks. But seven Tippit residents have changed the face of CWRU forever. 

These female residents of Tippit House shared the $1000 top prize for the messiest dorm room in the National College Pigsty Search, a contest sponsored by the “Pass the Pigs” game and its maker, MiltonBradley. 

The co-winners are suitemates Deborah Brass, a Chemistry/Psychology major, Jenifer Wilson, a senior engineering major; Julie Sietker, sophomore biochemistry major; Jessica Hoch, a senior engineering major; Ela Sivakova, a senior Chemistry/German major; and Kiersten Lieb, a biology major and fellow resident Rabia Karatcla. 

“It’s funny how much we got rewarded for being messy. It’s like reinforcement for bad behavior,” said Sivakova.

In addition to the money, they also received a professional room cleaning and a party for 100 friends. 

Niki Topougis, the Tippit House resident director, also won $1000. 

“The girls really are that messy, but it’s not a hygiene problem,” said Topougis. 

According to Topougis, the suite never smelled and there were never any complaints from other Tippit House residents. 

“I let my residents live as they please,” said Topougis. 

The ensuing media blitz from the contest has left all winners exhausted. In addition to the various newspaper and station coverages, they will soon all be appearing on the tabloid news show “Inside Edition.” Although the interviews have already been taped, the date of the show is still unknown. 

“Lots of people called. It soon got really obnoxious. Radio stations were calling at 7 a.m. during finals,” said Sivakova. 

When asked if messiness was her normal habitat, Sivakova was horrified. 

“My dad would kill me if I was this messy,” said Sivakova.

Volume XXVI, Number XV, Jan. 13, 1995

1997: Swimming teams drown Oberlin
Jill Best

While most students spent the holiday break enjoying rest and relaxation, Spartan swimming teams came back on campus early, like most winter athletes, to train for a dual meet last weekend against the Oberlin College Yeomen. The extra effort paid off as both teams defeated Oberlin. 

“It was a really exciting meet,” junior Sharon Sanborn. “Exciting to see all our hard work pay off.” 

It was the first time in Head Coach Todd Clark’s eight year career that he can remember both teams defeating Oberlin. 

CWRU women’s team won five events including both the 400 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay to wlock up a 113-106 victory. 

Senior Susan Beatty earned a well-timed gift for the team as she met Collegiate Athletic Association provisional standards in the 400-meter individual medley. Her winning time of 4:40.00 means she has a chance to compete at nationals.

“Beatty had an outstanding performance in the meet,” said Clark. “She is coming around in her times.” 

Beatty also won the 500-meter freestyle race and was a member of the 400 freestyle relay. Other members included junior Bria Pope, freshman Sarah Jacobetz and freshman Jenny Risen. Teamwork also helped the 400 medley relay win the first race of the meet. 

The medley relay of senior Nicole Mosher, sophomore Emily junior Sharon Sanborn and freshman Julie Szmyd won their race in 4:26.56. 

Two members of the relay went on to win three more events. Allegretti won the 200meter breaststroke while Sanborn locked up two victories—the 200-meter freestyle and 100-meter freestyle. 

“Sharon’s training is starting to pick up and her times becoming more speedy,” said Clark. “Usually she starts to perform better second semester and it is starting to show.” 

Although the men’s team walked away with as many points as the women they had two fewer event victories. The Spartans defeated the Yeomen 113-107. 

Senior Brian Evans had a standout performance in the one and three meter diving events. Although he was sick all day, his score of 141.7 in one meter and 126.9 in the three meter out-distanced his opponents and earned him two victories. 

“Brian is a really strong and positive kid on the team,” said Clark. “Without him, I do not think that we would have won this meet or [the one against] Allegheny.” 

Another senior, Jim Reese stepped up in the meet to win the 100-meter freestyle race in 49.95. Reese also competed on the 400meter freestyle relay with senior Thompson, freshman Ryan Dennis and sophomore Daniel Ebner which soaked OC with a time of 3:25.89. 

CWRU’s fifth victory belonged to junior Chris Nederostek in the 50-meter freestyle. 

The Spartans turn their sights on College of Wooster this weekend. A North Coast Athletic Conference opponent, Wooster will be a tough match in Spartans home natatorium tomorrow.

Volume XXVIII, Number XIV, Jan. 17, 1997

2000: 20,000 swarm Severance
“Day of Music” celebrates concert hall renovation
Jason Lustig

As part of the re-opening of Severance Hall, a “Day of Music” was held as a way to both show off the hall to the public and to give something back to them. The free event went from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on January 17. 

The day was filled with musical groups as varied as the musical world, from jazz, to rap, flamenco and even Koto and Zen flutes. That is just the tip of the iceberg for this all-day festival. Classical guitar, chamber music, gospel, Indian classical and a plethora of other styles awaited the 20,000 visitors to Severance Hall. 

“[Attendance] doubled what we expected,” said Sharon Ruebsteck, the Manager of Media Community Relations at Severance Hall. 

The program was an attempt to draw a more diverse group from the community. That aspect is receiving a great deal of attention and care from the Orchestra and Severance Hall. They set out to attract “children, people who don’t normally attend evening concerts. One of the goals is to open up the building to the community. It is important to us to have an event to bring in communities.” And this won’t be the last of these events either. “We’re planning on doing it again, we’re looking forward to another Day of Music,” said Ruebsteck, “The biggest highlight was all the kinds of music.” 

Severance Hall has been transformed by the renovations and the entire building was being shown off in a glorious celebration of all genres of music. The renovations covered a wide range of objectives. A new concert stage was built to take better advantage of the hall’s natural acoustic properties. The original E. M. Skinner Norton Memorial Organ was installed as part of the concert shell with all 6,025 pipes on full display behind the orchestra, allowing it once again to be used in full force with the other musicians. 

Both the Concert Hall and the Chamber Hall were restored in their first facelift since 1931 when the building opened. Perhaps the best new feature is the increase in restrooms, including a doubling of the size of the women’s restrooms. A retail store, a full time restaurant and accommodations for performers round out the major renovations. An entire new section had to be added to the rear of the building to help make space for the various projects. 

Be on the lookout for special events as well as the Cleveland Orchestra’s weekly performances. Call the box office at 231-1111 for tickets and other information.

Volume XXXI, Number XIV, Jan. 28, 2000

2007: USG proposes Alcohol Amnesty resolution
Stanley Evans

Currently, students are subject to judicial action from the university when seeking medical attention in alcohol-related emergencies. However, this could change if the Alcohol Amnesty resolution passed by USG is instituted by Case administration. 

In late October of 2006, USG sent all undergraduates a survey designed to determine students’ sentiment regarding the process at Case. Students were asked whether they had been sanctioned by Case authority. If they answered ‘yes,’ they were asked more specific questions about their case, and for feedback concerning the judicial process. 

Of those responding to the survey that were sanctioned by the university, 57.6 percent felt the judicial process was unfair and 50.6 percent felt that during the process they did not have an adequate chance to defend themselves. 

As a result, USG appointed an ad-hoc committee, the Student Judicial Representative Committee, to look at the judicial process at Case. Last week the committee proposed an alcohol amnesty policy be instituted by Case for students seeking medical attention for themselves or others. 

The idea for an alcohol amnesty policy came from the feedback in the survey. 

Under the proposed amnesty policy, when a student calls for medical assistance and alcohol is involved, the student calling for medical assistance and receiving medical assistance would have amnesty against sanctions from the university. 

Students who received amnesty would be strongly encouraged to seek alcohol counseling education programs. Those who do not utilize the counseling or education programs would not amnesty a second time. 

“We think it’s incentive enough for people to go through the process,” said Saptarshi Basu, a member of the Student Judicial Representative Committee. 

Amnesty would not be extended to those who committed violations such as illicit drug use or physical or sexual assault. 

General Assembly Resolution R. 16-08 was passed by USG, 30 to 0, with 1 abstention and the resolution will be sent for further review to Interim President Gregory Eastwood; President-Elect Barbara Snyder; the board of trustees; Glenn Nicholls, VP for Student Affairs; and Sue Nickel-Schindewolf, Assistant VP for Student Affairs. 

CaseEMS, The Office of Student Affairs, and The Office of Housing and Residence Life were named as sponsors of the resolution. 

A similar amnesty policy had been under review by the Office of Student Affairs.

CaseEMS had proposed a similar policy in the past. However, their proposal was not passed. 

“When drugs and alcohol are involved, not calling EMS to avoid getting into trouble could have serious or even fatal consequences,” said Larissa Shnayder, Chief of CaseEMS. 

“I cannot speak for the rest of the organization, but I personally believe that people act responsibly when they are given an opportunity to do so,” said Shnayder. 

The proposal could be implemented in two different ways. The resolution could be sent to the Faculty Senate to be reviewed and voted on or Nicholls could bypass this process by adding the policy to the student handbook. 

Basu was hopeful that the amnesty policy would be employed by the Fall 2007 semester. However, he did recognize the proposal still faces obstacles. “We still do have some differences in the language between our proposal and Student Affairs which we have to resolve,” he said. 

An alcohol amnesty policy is not a unique proposition in America’s collegiate system. Other universities—including Carnegie Mellon, Haivard. Rice and Cornell—have policies similar to the one proposed. The USG resolution is based on the current policy at Emory. 

“I thought it was already an unspoken ride, but I’m glad students can get [amnesty],” said freshman Rachel Taylor. 

Informing the student body about the judicial process will be an important part of the Student Judicial Representative Committee’s future agenda. 

The committee is also looking into other areas of the judicial process at Case as suggested by the initial survey. The preponderance of evidence standard and process are being reviewed.

Volume XXXIX, Number XVI, Feb. 9, 2007