Issue date: 2/28/07
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: News
Kerren McKeeman
Beginning next year, Junior Counselors (JCs) will receive a stipend of $2,500 instead of an extra room draw housing point, according to a Feb. 26 e-mail to sophomores and juniors from Dean of the College Tim Spears. In addition, the position will be renamed "First-Year Counselor" in an effort to attract upperclassmen applicants.
Currently, most JCs are sophomores or juniors. In exchange for the mentoring they provide to first-year students, they receive an extra housing point. JCs live on first-year residence halls, serving as a social and academic resource.
The changes proposed by Spears will make the JC position similar to the current Resident Advisor (RA) position, which is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. RAs are required to act as a mentor to other students and live in upperclassman dorms. The RA does not receive housing points, but does receive a monthly stipend.
"We are all aware of the important role that JCs have played over the years," said Spears, "and we very much want to build on these successes in moving forward with these refinements."
"In making these changes," said Spears, "we are following up on recommendations that came of out of the Strategic Plan and the Human Relations Committee report." Commons Heads and Commons Deans have also been instrumental in providing feedback that has contributed to the proposed changes to the JC position.
The switch to a stipend-based First-Year Counselor position is part of a College effort to attract senior applicants who would not benefit from a housing point at the end of their college careers.
"We obviously need to offer more than Commons points," said Spears, "hence the move to stipends."
According to Brainerd Commons Resident Advisor (CRA) Melissa Simpson, the proposed changes may eliminate advantages enjoyed by current JCs.
"JCs are close in age to the first-years," said Simpson, "and JCs can then maintain friendships and act as role models to the [first-years] for the next two years." If First-Year Counselor seniors live in [first-year] halls, "this defeats the purpose of senior housing," said Simpson.
Transforming the JC position into a paid job may create other drawbacks, according to Becca Marcus '07.5, who believes that instituting a stipend may motivate people to volunteer for the money, instead of participating in order to meet and mentor first-years.
"It may be hard for hired students to stay motivated throughout the year," said Marcus, "if they know that the $2,500 will come into their pockets regardless of the amount of hours they put in."
Emily Eliot '07.5 said she appreciated the need for interaction between upperclassmen and first-years, but that such interaction should take place in other venues.
"If the goal is to expose [first-years] to seniors who have come back from study abroad, then this is not right way to go about it," said Eliot. "[That exchange] should take place in other venues or other programs," said Eliot, " and should not be included in the First-Year Counselor program."
Additional adjustments to the current JC position will include changes to the orientation period that takes place during the week prior to the beginning of Fall semester.
"First-Year Counselors will receive additional preparation [and] training," said Spears, "so that they can help support the academic growth of first-year students."
The proposed alterations to the JC positions will not affect those who currently hold JC positions this academic year.
"Current JCs will be able to use their Commons points in drawing a room for next year," said Spears.
Showing posts with label Campus Articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Campus Articles. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Student input drives housing changes
Issue date: 4/11/07
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: News
Kerren McKeeman
Beginning in the spring of 2008, seniors will be allowed to apply for rooms in any of the College's five Commons during room draw, according to an all-student e-mail sent by President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz last week. The change is the result of a proposal from the Student Government Association (SGA) that was issued to Liebowitz in November of 2006.
According to the results of a student survey administered by the SGA in October of 2006, unfair housing was cited as the number one source of student dissatisfaction with the room draw system. The SGA then compiled a report addressing the "inequities and flaws" of the current room draw process. After considering the proposal and consulting members of the community, Liebowitz announced the plan to implement an open senior draw.
According to Liebowitz, the Open Senior Draw solution may represent the best option for making housing equal considering the College's current priorities.
"Should we spend that much of our limited resources on [improving Commons] infrastructure and its operations," he said, "or put the funds [towards] the academic program and financial aid?" wrote Liebowitz in an e-mail.
Although enhancing the Commons system is a projected goal outlined in the College's Strategic Plan, some of the goals for the system have not yet been reached. Consequently, housing for seniors could remain in its current state for some time to come, according to Liebowitz.
"Because we do not plan to build new residence halls that could equalize housing options for several years," wrote Liebowitz, "this negativity [associated with the Commons] is likely to persist for an extended period."
In order to address the current state of the Commons system using available resources, Liebowitz said he wants to make changes now that will address student concerns, and relieve tensions until the Commons reaches completion.
Instrumental in implementing the change was SGA President Alex Stanton '07 and Chief of Staff Isabel Yordan '07. Their proposal to Liebowitz last November included seven suggestions for enhancing room draw, one of which was to create an open senior draw.
The proposal sought to address the results of the student survey taken last fall by the SGA, which found that 43.6 percent of students either disapproved or strongly disapproved of the current room draw arrangement. The survey also revealed that 47.7 percent of students said that the elimination of the Commons-based room draw would improve their perception of the Commons systems as a whole.
In addition to working with the SGA, Liebowitz has also worked closely with the Commons Deans, as well as Dean of the College Tim Spears and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Hanson. However, though Liebowitz has been discussing the issue with members of the administration for several years, since this academic year, he has made conscious efforts to consider student opinions on the issue.
"We discussed this issue during the Strategic Planning process," wrote Liebowitz, "but decided at that point to engage students more before determining how to proceed."
Once the SGA's suggestions, the results of the student poll and the points brought up in individual meetings with students were considered, Liebowitz decided to make the official change.
"Members of the President's staff recognized there are both pluses and drawbacks to changing Room Draw," wrote Liebowitz, "but in the end, I believe students made the case that making the change now made sense."
Complete details of the change, including the role of remaining Junior Counselor bonus points, and seniors' Commons Deans assignments, have yet to be finalized. Currently, students are assigned Commons Deans according to their Commons of residence. It remains to be seen whether seniors will be able to keep their dean or will be reassigned to the dean that corresponds with their senior housing should they be housed in a different Commons.
"It makes my job easier to know the students that live in senior housing on a personal basis," said Karin Hall-Kolts, Brainerd Commons coordinator. "Then if there is an incident report or damage done to the house, I can speak with the residents and know that I will get a truthful answer."
"The rise of senior leadership in the Commons has been an excellent development," said Cook Commons Dean David Edleson, who hopes the change will not threaten seniors who wish to stay involved in their Commons.
Although Liebowitz states that the assignment of deans for seniors has not yet been implemented, he hopes that students will have the option to continue the relationships they have already developed.
"I would like to think that it is more important for our Deans to 'manage' people and relationships and not real estate," wrote Liebowitz. "This assumes students carry their deans wherever they live, and where one lives ceases to determine their dean."
Edleson has other concerns about the new senior open draw. Edleson predicts that seniors will face more confusion during room draw.
"Now, an individual senior will be competing against the entire class in figuring out where to live, rather than competing against the other seniors in their Commons," he said.
Although Edleson agreed that "we needed to make adjustments to room draw," his experience has shown that students are always dissatisfied.
"The Middlebury mania about room draw is, and has been, completely beyond reason for as long as I've been here," he said, "and is likely to continue after this change as well." Edleson's advice to students is, "You didn't pick Middlebury for a room. Chill out."
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: News
Kerren McKeeman
Beginning in the spring of 2008, seniors will be allowed to apply for rooms in any of the College's five Commons during room draw, according to an all-student e-mail sent by President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz last week. The change is the result of a proposal from the Student Government Association (SGA) that was issued to Liebowitz in November of 2006.
According to the results of a student survey administered by the SGA in October of 2006, unfair housing was cited as the number one source of student dissatisfaction with the room draw system. The SGA then compiled a report addressing the "inequities and flaws" of the current room draw process. After considering the proposal and consulting members of the community, Liebowitz announced the plan to implement an open senior draw.
According to Liebowitz, the Open Senior Draw solution may represent the best option for making housing equal considering the College's current priorities.
"Should we spend that much of our limited resources on [improving Commons] infrastructure and its operations," he said, "or put the funds [towards] the academic program and financial aid?" wrote Liebowitz in an e-mail.
Although enhancing the Commons system is a projected goal outlined in the College's Strategic Plan, some of the goals for the system have not yet been reached. Consequently, housing for seniors could remain in its current state for some time to come, according to Liebowitz.
"Because we do not plan to build new residence halls that could equalize housing options for several years," wrote Liebowitz, "this negativity [associated with the Commons] is likely to persist for an extended period."
In order to address the current state of the Commons system using available resources, Liebowitz said he wants to make changes now that will address student concerns, and relieve tensions until the Commons reaches completion.
Instrumental in implementing the change was SGA President Alex Stanton '07 and Chief of Staff Isabel Yordan '07. Their proposal to Liebowitz last November included seven suggestions for enhancing room draw, one of which was to create an open senior draw.
The proposal sought to address the results of the student survey taken last fall by the SGA, which found that 43.6 percent of students either disapproved or strongly disapproved of the current room draw arrangement. The survey also revealed that 47.7 percent of students said that the elimination of the Commons-based room draw would improve their perception of the Commons systems as a whole.
In addition to working with the SGA, Liebowitz has also worked closely with the Commons Deans, as well as Dean of the College Tim Spears and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Hanson. However, though Liebowitz has been discussing the issue with members of the administration for several years, since this academic year, he has made conscious efforts to consider student opinions on the issue.
"We discussed this issue during the Strategic Planning process," wrote Liebowitz, "but decided at that point to engage students more before determining how to proceed."
Once the SGA's suggestions, the results of the student poll and the points brought up in individual meetings with students were considered, Liebowitz decided to make the official change.
"Members of the President's staff recognized there are both pluses and drawbacks to changing Room Draw," wrote Liebowitz, "but in the end, I believe students made the case that making the change now made sense."
Complete details of the change, including the role of remaining Junior Counselor bonus points, and seniors' Commons Deans assignments, have yet to be finalized. Currently, students are assigned Commons Deans according to their Commons of residence. It remains to be seen whether seniors will be able to keep their dean or will be reassigned to the dean that corresponds with their senior housing should they be housed in a different Commons.
"It makes my job easier to know the students that live in senior housing on a personal basis," said Karin Hall-Kolts, Brainerd Commons coordinator. "Then if there is an incident report or damage done to the house, I can speak with the residents and know that I will get a truthful answer."
"The rise of senior leadership in the Commons has been an excellent development," said Cook Commons Dean David Edleson, who hopes the change will not threaten seniors who wish to stay involved in their Commons.
Although Liebowitz states that the assignment of deans for seniors has not yet been implemented, he hopes that students will have the option to continue the relationships they have already developed.
"I would like to think that it is more important for our Deans to 'manage' people and relationships and not real estate," wrote Liebowitz. "This assumes students carry their deans wherever they live, and where one lives ceases to determine their dean."
Edleson has other concerns about the new senior open draw. Edleson predicts that seniors will face more confusion during room draw.
"Now, an individual senior will be competing against the entire class in figuring out where to live, rather than competing against the other seniors in their Commons," he said.
Although Edleson agreed that "we needed to make adjustments to room draw," his experience has shown that students are always dissatisfied.
"The Middlebury mania about room draw is, and has been, completely beyond reason for as long as I've been here," he said, "and is likely to continue after this change as well." Edleson's advice to students is, "You didn't pick Middlebury for a room. Chill out."
Grille proceeds benefit worthy cause
Issue date: 12/8/05
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: Features
Kerren McKeeman
Since the fall of her first year at Middlebury, Melissa Klein '07 has been delivering food for The Grille every Wednesday night to financially support two young girls in Romania who have been affected by the AIDS epidemic. The Grille Delivery runs every Wednesday night from 10-11:50 p.m., with a cost of two dollars per delivery. The program usually raises about $150 every week, all of which goes to supporting the girls that Klein sponsors.
The project started before Melissa was even a student at Middlebury, when she and her sister, Tessa Klein '05, teamed up with their father to raise money in support of Romanian children with AIDS. As reported by Health Aid UK, among all European countries, Romania's HIV situation remains the worst since almost 60 percent of European children who currently have AIDS are Romanian. Tessa and Melissa became involved in Health Aid Romania (HAR), which is a United Kingdom-based program that supports children with HIV and AIDS in Romania.
During high school, Tessa and Melissa both had the opportunity to travel to Romania and visit some of the institutions children with AIDS call home. Melissa explained that problematic living conditions in these children's homes make controlling the virus harder. She recalled how many of the boys bully other children and how girls are often subject to sexual molestation or rape.
In order to create a more stable and safe environment for the children in which they can be given more personalized care, HAR's goal is to reduce the number of children to eight or nine per home. But Tessa and Melissa had their own goal: to allocate two children per home and give them the opportunity to grow up without being segregated by society because of their disease.
When the Klein sisters were in high school at the American School in Switzerland, their father began an organization called Assisting Children with Aids (ACA), which soon grew to 70 members within their school. Local schools heard about the project and donated to the cause. After three years, the group had raised $40,000. With this money, they bought a modest house in Bucharest, renovated and furnished it and hired a full-time house-mother. On a visit to Romania, Melissa and Tessa met the two girls whom nurses determined would best adapt to a "normal life" outside the institution: Irina and Magdalena. These young girls had no possessions to their name and had never spent much time outside the institution. "We took them to the mall for the first time and then went bowling later," Melissa recalls. "They were weak and had trouble holding the bowling ball."
Melissa described Magdalena as a beautiful girl who used to have blond curls that fell far past her shoulders. After one of the nurses decided Magdalena had been rude, though, the nurse shaved Magdalena's head as punishment. Irina was born as a result of her mother being raped. The day Irina's mother planned to meet her for the first time, Irina had flowers prepared and waited with anticipation. Yet upon arrival, Irina's mother could not accept the flowers and left abruptly, unable to face her daughter and her past.
Because of their stories, Tessa and Melissa were compelled to help these girls. Using the money that Tessa and Melissa raised, the girls moved into their new home five years ago. They now have a dog and call their house-mother "mom." They have been attending school and have just started looking for part-time jobs. Melissa is especially happy with the results. "There is nothing like Magdalena and Irina's living situation in Romania and we hope that it will be replicable for HAR," she said.
The Kleins have proved that it is possible to save children from the unbearable experience of living in an institution, even if it is only one child at a time. Because all expenses must be paid by the organization - electricity, food, the house-mother's salary and the girls' medical bills - the Grille Delivery program provides the funds that the organization needs.
The program has been hugely successful and has covered the costs that Melissa hoped it would. "Grille delivery is a win-win situation," said Haley Gilbert '07.5, one of the delivery volunteers, "and I would say that if it were bigger we should do it more nights than just Wednesday!"
But Melissa is uncertain about the future of the Grille Delivery program. The money they earn each week has been decreasing to around $70, less than half the usual amount, due to less help from volunteers. Also, Melissa plans to study abroad next semester and is in need of more volunteers to continue the program, or she may have to step down and stop operations altogether. Eli Gordon, a Grille cook who has been working with Melissa since she started Grille Delivery two years ago, feels strongly about the cause. "Oh no, they've got to find some people to do it," she said. "If I weren't working until midnight I would stay and volunteer myself!"
Despite such enthusiasm, the future of the Grille Delivery program is unsure. "Everyone's so busy. It's a lot to ask of people," said Melissa. But in truth, a simple two dollars or two hours a week will go towards giving Magdalena and Irina a home and a future. If students order food to be delivered from the Wednesday nights or volunteer to help deliver, they will give Grille Delivery the chance to continue this J-Term and possibly during spring semester.
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: Features
Kerren McKeeman
Since the fall of her first year at Middlebury, Melissa Klein '07 has been delivering food for The Grille every Wednesday night to financially support two young girls in Romania who have been affected by the AIDS epidemic. The Grille Delivery runs every Wednesday night from 10-11:50 p.m., with a cost of two dollars per delivery. The program usually raises about $150 every week, all of which goes to supporting the girls that Klein sponsors.
The project started before Melissa was even a student at Middlebury, when she and her sister, Tessa Klein '05, teamed up with their father to raise money in support of Romanian children with AIDS. As reported by Health Aid UK, among all European countries, Romania's HIV situation remains the worst since almost 60 percent of European children who currently have AIDS are Romanian. Tessa and Melissa became involved in Health Aid Romania (HAR), which is a United Kingdom-based program that supports children with HIV and AIDS in Romania.
During high school, Tessa and Melissa both had the opportunity to travel to Romania and visit some of the institutions children with AIDS call home. Melissa explained that problematic living conditions in these children's homes make controlling the virus harder. She recalled how many of the boys bully other children and how girls are often subject to sexual molestation or rape.
In order to create a more stable and safe environment for the children in which they can be given more personalized care, HAR's goal is to reduce the number of children to eight or nine per home. But Tessa and Melissa had their own goal: to allocate two children per home and give them the opportunity to grow up without being segregated by society because of their disease.
When the Klein sisters were in high school at the American School in Switzerland, their father began an organization called Assisting Children with Aids (ACA), which soon grew to 70 members within their school. Local schools heard about the project and donated to the cause. After three years, the group had raised $40,000. With this money, they bought a modest house in Bucharest, renovated and furnished it and hired a full-time house-mother. On a visit to Romania, Melissa and Tessa met the two girls whom nurses determined would best adapt to a "normal life" outside the institution: Irina and Magdalena. These young girls had no possessions to their name and had never spent much time outside the institution. "We took them to the mall for the first time and then went bowling later," Melissa recalls. "They were weak and had trouble holding the bowling ball."
Melissa described Magdalena as a beautiful girl who used to have blond curls that fell far past her shoulders. After one of the nurses decided Magdalena had been rude, though, the nurse shaved Magdalena's head as punishment. Irina was born as a result of her mother being raped. The day Irina's mother planned to meet her for the first time, Irina had flowers prepared and waited with anticipation. Yet upon arrival, Irina's mother could not accept the flowers and left abruptly, unable to face her daughter and her past.
Because of their stories, Tessa and Melissa were compelled to help these girls. Using the money that Tessa and Melissa raised, the girls moved into their new home five years ago. They now have a dog and call their house-mother "mom." They have been attending school and have just started looking for part-time jobs. Melissa is especially happy with the results. "There is nothing like Magdalena and Irina's living situation in Romania and we hope that it will be replicable for HAR," she said.
The Kleins have proved that it is possible to save children from the unbearable experience of living in an institution, even if it is only one child at a time. Because all expenses must be paid by the organization - electricity, food, the house-mother's salary and the girls' medical bills - the Grille Delivery program provides the funds that the organization needs.
The program has been hugely successful and has covered the costs that Melissa hoped it would. "Grille delivery is a win-win situation," said Haley Gilbert '07.5, one of the delivery volunteers, "and I would say that if it were bigger we should do it more nights than just Wednesday!"
But Melissa is uncertain about the future of the Grille Delivery program. The money they earn each week has been decreasing to around $70, less than half the usual amount, due to less help from volunteers. Also, Melissa plans to study abroad next semester and is in need of more volunteers to continue the program, or she may have to step down and stop operations altogether. Eli Gordon, a Grille cook who has been working with Melissa since she started Grille Delivery two years ago, feels strongly about the cause. "Oh no, they've got to find some people to do it," she said. "If I weren't working until midnight I would stay and volunteer myself!"
Despite such enthusiasm, the future of the Grille Delivery program is unsure. "Everyone's so busy. It's a lot to ask of people," said Melissa. But in truth, a simple two dollars or two hours a week will go towards giving Magdalena and Irina a home and a future. If students order food to be delivered from the Wednesday nights or volunteer to help deliver, they will give Grille Delivery the chance to continue this J-Term and possibly during spring semester.
Room draw goes online as senior open draw postponed
Issue date: 2/14/07
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: News
Kerren McKeeman
This spring, the College's room draw process will take place for the first time entirely online. The change represents the continuation of an ongoing effort to reform room draw.
Using Banner Web will not only eliminate the need to relocate Commons staff to Kenyon Arena during the week of room draw, but will also save students time by not requiring them to wait in line. Additionally, students studying abroad will be able to participate in room draw from their own computers, eliminating the need for others to stand in on their behalf.
Some students have run into specific problems with room draw, however, that will not be solved by the online switch.
"I had the same Commons number three years in a row," said Becca Marcus '07.5. "And when I took one semester off my junior year, they subtracted two semester points, which bumped me out of senior room draw altogether."
In both cases, Marcus was told the system could not be changed.
Brainerd Commons Coordinator Karin Hall-Kolts said she believes students complain too much about the Commons affiliation with room draw.
"Students complained when room draw had nothing to do with the Commons," Hall-Kolts said, "so we changed the system. Now that room draw includes the Commons, students still complain."
Some students believe that several Commons have much better senior housing than others, but Hall-Kolts believes housing differences do not keep students from enjoying their life on campus.
"Middlebury students are so busy-how much time do they spend in their room anyway?" Hall-Kolts said. "No matter what room you live in, you will still be able to hang out with your friends."
Commons-related changes have been presented to the administration. Earlier this academic year, the Student Government Association (SGA) gathered student opinions using an online survey about room draw. In October, it met to debate and formed its proposal to the Presidential Staff on room draw reform.
"The official SGA recommendation," said SGA President Alex Stanton '07, "was a completely open draw for seniors, without any consideration of Commons affiliation." Stanton's proposal, if enacted, would effectively end senior Commons draw.
Also included in the SGA proposal was a suggestion by representative Andrew Herzik '07.5 to allow students who had earned Commons points to apply for housing in Commons that are not their own. For instance, students who remained in Brainerd Commons through their junior year could use their cumulative Commons points in Atwater senior draw, if they so chose.
According to Dean of the College Tim Spears, removing the Commons from the room draw process could potentially cause problems. Students may feel less inclined to stick with their Commons if they cannot benefit from the system during their senior year.
"If Commons affiliation to housing only applies to [first-years] and sophomores," said Spears, "what does the Commons mean?"
In addition to the SGA's recommendation, the Presidential Staff has also been discussing ways in which housing facilities can be equalized among the College's five Commons. Suggestions include assigning an equal number of first-years to each Commons as well as redistributing dorms and houses among Commons.
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: News
Kerren McKeeman
This spring, the College's room draw process will take place for the first time entirely online. The change represents the continuation of an ongoing effort to reform room draw.
Using Banner Web will not only eliminate the need to relocate Commons staff to Kenyon Arena during the week of room draw, but will also save students time by not requiring them to wait in line. Additionally, students studying abroad will be able to participate in room draw from their own computers, eliminating the need for others to stand in on their behalf.
Some students have run into specific problems with room draw, however, that will not be solved by the online switch.
"I had the same Commons number three years in a row," said Becca Marcus '07.5. "And when I took one semester off my junior year, they subtracted two semester points, which bumped me out of senior room draw altogether."
In both cases, Marcus was told the system could not be changed.
Brainerd Commons Coordinator Karin Hall-Kolts said she believes students complain too much about the Commons affiliation with room draw.
"Students complained when room draw had nothing to do with the Commons," Hall-Kolts said, "so we changed the system. Now that room draw includes the Commons, students still complain."
Some students believe that several Commons have much better senior housing than others, but Hall-Kolts believes housing differences do not keep students from enjoying their life on campus.
"Middlebury students are so busy-how much time do they spend in their room anyway?" Hall-Kolts said. "No matter what room you live in, you will still be able to hang out with your friends."
Commons-related changes have been presented to the administration. Earlier this academic year, the Student Government Association (SGA) gathered student opinions using an online survey about room draw. In October, it met to debate and formed its proposal to the Presidential Staff on room draw reform.
"The official SGA recommendation," said SGA President Alex Stanton '07, "was a completely open draw for seniors, without any consideration of Commons affiliation." Stanton's proposal, if enacted, would effectively end senior Commons draw.
Also included in the SGA proposal was a suggestion by representative Andrew Herzik '07.5 to allow students who had earned Commons points to apply for housing in Commons that are not their own. For instance, students who remained in Brainerd Commons through their junior year could use their cumulative Commons points in Atwater senior draw, if they so chose.
According to Dean of the College Tim Spears, removing the Commons from the room draw process could potentially cause problems. Students may feel less inclined to stick with their Commons if they cannot benefit from the system during their senior year.
"If Commons affiliation to housing only applies to [first-years] and sophomores," said Spears, "what does the Commons mean?"
In addition to the SGA's recommendation, the Presidential Staff has also been discussing ways in which housing facilities can be equalized among the College's five Commons. Suggestions include assigning an equal number of first-years to each Commons as well as redistributing dorms and houses among Commons.
True love comes to those who wait
Blind Date Dolci re-energizes Midd dating scene
Issue date: 11/10/05
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: Features
Kerren McKeeman
(photo)
Lingering over a delicious four-course meal, new couples enjoyed the scene of Blind Date Dolci, a nice change from the usual Friday routine.
For most Middkids, last Friday's evening meal was a typically uneventful precursor to the night's festivities. But for the 88 students who gathered at the Proctor Dining Hall entrance at 5:30 p.m., this was certainly not the case. These fortunate individuals were preparing to make new friends at Blind Date Dolci, and the much-anticipated event did not disappoint.
A general buzz of excitement and apprehension filled the entrance of Proctor as Student Government Association (SGA) President Eli Berman '07.5 and SGA Director of Social Affairs Andrew Herzik '07.5 paired selected students and their dates with an air of humor and guided the couples into the dining area.
"Well, I think we did it!" exclaimed Berman, vigorously shaking Herzik's hand, as the last blind date couple walked past the entrance table where a welcome sign read, "If there is a wedding, we expect invitations." For Herzik and Berman, as well as for the 44 couples, Blind Date Dolci was off to a great start.�
Herzik and the rest of the SGA Social Affairs Committee organized the event. "The purpose of Blind Date Dolci," Herzik explained, "was to provide an alternative to the 'get really drunk and hook up with random stranger who looks really hot right now and really made me laugh for those two minutes we interacted."
It was clear that the couples enjoyed themselves. The dining area was filled with the hum of light-hearted chatter, whether it was to inquire if the word "bisque" on the menu implied a presence of seafood, or to answer the question that appeared on one of the various pink note cards that were sprinkled across the place settings as "ice breakers" for the couples. One read, "If a tiger and a shark were thrown into a jello-filled pool, who would win the fight?"
Emmy Komada '07 said, "I signed up to experience awkwardness to the highest degree, but it actually wasn't that awkward at all!"�
Berman defined Blind Date Dolci as the SGA's attempt to reinvigorate a social scene that has gone through some significant changes this year. "The SGA recognizes that Middlebury social life is lacking something," he explained. "With the new liquor inspector, social life is shifting away from the social houses. We hope that this event will serve as a venue to fulfill what it is that our social life lacks."
Considering the excitement that persisted throughout the evening, it did seem that Dolci was fulfilling Berman's stated goal. No one had to speak over loud music or worry about beer getting spilled down his or her back. And the event was certainly a big draw - even though attendance was capped at 88, over 150 students applied to attend.
The success of the night must also be attributed to the Dolci waitresses and the head chefs, Sue-Jean Chun '07 and Maggie Ray '07, who provided a variety of delectable treats, from cranberry-brie pastries as appetizers to French-cut Rosemary Dijon lamb chops as a main course selection. To cater to the night's mood, one of the dessert options was listed on the menu as "For the Oh-So-Daring Couples� Grilled Banana Split for Two." A shared feeling of delight rested on the faces of the students as many left empty plates in front of them.
For Herzik, the event served to provide an opportunity for people to "get out of their completely solidified social niche and meet some fun and interesting random people." Ultimately, Blind Date Dolci allowed for a casual social atmosphere in which students simply had a great time and left with some amusing stories.
Two students who are currently dating signed up to be paired with someone new for the evening.� Upon arriving, however, the two found that neither of their assigned dates had been able to come and by default they ended up together. A riskier, first-time couple even initiated a kiss on the lips to pose for the camera. One student arrived "fashionably late" and in full Rugby gear with a sports-bag wrapped across his chest. Even practice could not prevent him from making it to Blind Date Dolci.
Though there were some surprises, the whole evening went off without a hitch. "I'm amazed at how awesome the Middlebury student body is," Herzik exclaimed enthusiastically. "They completely rocked it!"
Diners echoes Herzik's sentiments. "It was so much better than I expected," said a smiling Pascal Losambe '07. "I would encourage anyone to go!"
The entire event created a memorable time for those who attended. In a broader sense, Blind Date Dolci represents the SGA's first step towards creating a new outlet for social life on campus. For those who missed the event the first time around, never fear - the opportunity to participate in another Blind Date Dolci may come sooner than you think. "We've received so much popular feedback I think we just have to do it again," said Herzik.
Issue date: 11/10/05
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: Features
Kerren McKeeman
(photo)
Lingering over a delicious four-course meal, new couples enjoyed the scene of Blind Date Dolci, a nice change from the usual Friday routine.
For most Middkids, last Friday's evening meal was a typically uneventful precursor to the night's festivities. But for the 88 students who gathered at the Proctor Dining Hall entrance at 5:30 p.m., this was certainly not the case. These fortunate individuals were preparing to make new friends at Blind Date Dolci, and the much-anticipated event did not disappoint.
A general buzz of excitement and apprehension filled the entrance of Proctor as Student Government Association (SGA) President Eli Berman '07.5 and SGA Director of Social Affairs Andrew Herzik '07.5 paired selected students and their dates with an air of humor and guided the couples into the dining area.
"Well, I think we did it!" exclaimed Berman, vigorously shaking Herzik's hand, as the last blind date couple walked past the entrance table where a welcome sign read, "If there is a wedding, we expect invitations." For Herzik and Berman, as well as for the 44 couples, Blind Date Dolci was off to a great start.�
Herzik and the rest of the SGA Social Affairs Committee organized the event. "The purpose of Blind Date Dolci," Herzik explained, "was to provide an alternative to the 'get really drunk and hook up with random stranger who looks really hot right now and really made me laugh for those two minutes we interacted."
It was clear that the couples enjoyed themselves. The dining area was filled with the hum of light-hearted chatter, whether it was to inquire if the word "bisque" on the menu implied a presence of seafood, or to answer the question that appeared on one of the various pink note cards that were sprinkled across the place settings as "ice breakers" for the couples. One read, "If a tiger and a shark were thrown into a jello-filled pool, who would win the fight?"
Emmy Komada '07 said, "I signed up to experience awkwardness to the highest degree, but it actually wasn't that awkward at all!"�
Berman defined Blind Date Dolci as the SGA's attempt to reinvigorate a social scene that has gone through some significant changes this year. "The SGA recognizes that Middlebury social life is lacking something," he explained. "With the new liquor inspector, social life is shifting away from the social houses. We hope that this event will serve as a venue to fulfill what it is that our social life lacks."
Considering the excitement that persisted throughout the evening, it did seem that Dolci was fulfilling Berman's stated goal. No one had to speak over loud music or worry about beer getting spilled down his or her back. And the event was certainly a big draw - even though attendance was capped at 88, over 150 students applied to attend.
The success of the night must also be attributed to the Dolci waitresses and the head chefs, Sue-Jean Chun '07 and Maggie Ray '07, who provided a variety of delectable treats, from cranberry-brie pastries as appetizers to French-cut Rosemary Dijon lamb chops as a main course selection. To cater to the night's mood, one of the dessert options was listed on the menu as "For the Oh-So-Daring Couples� Grilled Banana Split for Two." A shared feeling of delight rested on the faces of the students as many left empty plates in front of them.
For Herzik, the event served to provide an opportunity for people to "get out of their completely solidified social niche and meet some fun and interesting random people." Ultimately, Blind Date Dolci allowed for a casual social atmosphere in which students simply had a great time and left with some amusing stories.
Two students who are currently dating signed up to be paired with someone new for the evening.� Upon arriving, however, the two found that neither of their assigned dates had been able to come and by default they ended up together. A riskier, first-time couple even initiated a kiss on the lips to pose for the camera. One student arrived "fashionably late" and in full Rugby gear with a sports-bag wrapped across his chest. Even practice could not prevent him from making it to Blind Date Dolci.
Though there were some surprises, the whole evening went off without a hitch. "I'm amazed at how awesome the Middlebury student body is," Herzik exclaimed enthusiastically. "They completely rocked it!"
Diners echoes Herzik's sentiments. "It was so much better than I expected," said a smiling Pascal Losambe '07. "I would encourage anyone to go!"
The entire event created a memorable time for those who attended. In a broader sense, Blind Date Dolci represents the SGA's first step towards creating a new outlet for social life on campus. For those who missed the event the first time around, never fear - the opportunity to participate in another Blind Date Dolci may come sooner than you think. "We've received so much popular feedback I think we just have to do it again," said Herzik.
Tian brings Beijing culture to class
(photo)
Middlebury's newest language professor, Zhuo Tian, reflects on her first impressions of Middlebury and adjusting to life in the United States.
Issue date: 11/17/05
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: Features
Article written by/Interview translated from Chinese by,
Kerren McKeeman
Meet Zhuo Tian, known to her students as teacher Tian, or Tian Laoshi. She is Middlebury's newest Chinese language professor, hired from the CET Academic Program in Beijing. She is also filling the position of the Chinese house teaching assistant. If asked five years ago what she thought she would be doing now or where she would be traveling for work, teaching Chinese in a small New England college in the United States would never have crossed Tian's mind.
Tian graduated from Beijing University with a masters in National Economics. It was only after a friend's suggestion that she decided to apply to teach Chinese at CET, "just to see if I could do it," she recalled. Tian found she had a knack for teaching, and landed her current job at Middlebury.
When asked what the biggest differences were between teaching college students in Beijing versus teaching American students in Middlebury, Vt., Tian cited the city as a major factor. "There's nothing here," she said of Middlebury, and wrinkled her nose upon mention of Burlington.
There are parts of Middlebury that she truly enjoys and she said that her favorite part of the town was soaking up the clean air and beautiful scenery. Tian also appreciates the dining food, but only if she can go to Ross. According to Tian, Proctor is too "American" for her, but Ross always has food "that Asian people can actually eat."
Tian loves teaching her classes, although her strenuous schedule includes teaching nine hours a week and preparing for four different lessons. "I spend a lot of time preparing for class," she noted. Yet she always manages to bring a zest and playful flavor to her classes - even her 8 a.m. third-year Chinese class is often filled with laughter, as Tian uses guessing games, debates, races and dollar store prizes to provoke competition and keep students enthusiastic about learning.
Even though she enjoys teaching at Middlebury, Tian still misses Beijing and the connections she has made there. When asked what she misses most about China, she emphatically replied, "my parents," without a moment of hesitation. Unfortunately, her visa does not allow her to fly back to China over Christmas to visit her family and her home.
However, Tian expects her husband, to whom she speaks with every night on the phone, to fly to Middlebury over winter break to visit. The two were married a year and a half ago, and she keeps pictures of their wedding in her office. Lucky students may catch a glimpse of her with her hair carefully curled and delicately lofted behind her head as she poses with her husband in front of Beijing park scenes, wearing traditional Chinese dress.
Of all the things she wishes to accomplish here in the United States, Tian's highest priority is to practice her English speaking. "My English is terrible," she said with careful annunciation. She often refuses to speak to her Chinese students in English, in part to help them learn Chinese. But there is one English phrase of which she is quite fond and uses repeatedly. When students seem to drop like flies and a certain student repeatedly misses class, she likes to dismiss the issue by saying, "Another one bites the dust." Perhaps Tian's English is better than she lets on. And for those who are curious, inviting Tian to Ross for a little English conversation over lunch would make her day.
Middlebury's newest language professor, Zhuo Tian, reflects on her first impressions of Middlebury and adjusting to life in the United States.
Issue date: 11/17/05
Publication: Middlebury Campus
Section: Features
Article written by/Interview translated from Chinese by,
Kerren McKeeman
Meet Zhuo Tian, known to her students as teacher Tian, or Tian Laoshi. She is Middlebury's newest Chinese language professor, hired from the CET Academic Program in Beijing. She is also filling the position of the Chinese house teaching assistant. If asked five years ago what she thought she would be doing now or where she would be traveling for work, teaching Chinese in a small New England college in the United States would never have crossed Tian's mind.
Tian graduated from Beijing University with a masters in National Economics. It was only after a friend's suggestion that she decided to apply to teach Chinese at CET, "just to see if I could do it," she recalled. Tian found she had a knack for teaching, and landed her current job at Middlebury.
When asked what the biggest differences were between teaching college students in Beijing versus teaching American students in Middlebury, Vt., Tian cited the city as a major factor. "There's nothing here," she said of Middlebury, and wrinkled her nose upon mention of Burlington.
There are parts of Middlebury that she truly enjoys and she said that her favorite part of the town was soaking up the clean air and beautiful scenery. Tian also appreciates the dining food, but only if she can go to Ross. According to Tian, Proctor is too "American" for her, but Ross always has food "that Asian people can actually eat."
Tian loves teaching her classes, although her strenuous schedule includes teaching nine hours a week and preparing for four different lessons. "I spend a lot of time preparing for class," she noted. Yet she always manages to bring a zest and playful flavor to her classes - even her 8 a.m. third-year Chinese class is often filled with laughter, as Tian uses guessing games, debates, races and dollar store prizes to provoke competition and keep students enthusiastic about learning.
Even though she enjoys teaching at Middlebury, Tian still misses Beijing and the connections she has made there. When asked what she misses most about China, she emphatically replied, "my parents," without a moment of hesitation. Unfortunately, her visa does not allow her to fly back to China over Christmas to visit her family and her home.
However, Tian expects her husband, to whom she speaks with every night on the phone, to fly to Middlebury over winter break to visit. The two were married a year and a half ago, and she keeps pictures of their wedding in her office. Lucky students may catch a glimpse of her with her hair carefully curled and delicately lofted behind her head as she poses with her husband in front of Beijing park scenes, wearing traditional Chinese dress.
Of all the things she wishes to accomplish here in the United States, Tian's highest priority is to practice her English speaking. "My English is terrible," she said with careful annunciation. She often refuses to speak to her Chinese students in English, in part to help them learn Chinese. But there is one English phrase of which she is quite fond and uses repeatedly. When students seem to drop like flies and a certain student repeatedly misses class, she likes to dismiss the issue by saying, "Another one bites the dust." Perhaps Tian's English is better than she lets on. And for those who are curious, inviting Tian to Ross for a little English conversation over lunch would make her day.
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