AI summary:
Campus Governance and Administration
Governor Ray Tours Urban Campus
Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray visited DMACC’s Urban Campus on January 16 to assess conditions and discuss possible improvements. Students and faculty highlighted overcrowding, inadequate facilities, poor lighting, and lack of handicap accessibility as major concerns. One proposed solution was relocating the campus to North High School, though Ray noted that North High students were resistant to the idea.
While Ray acknowledged the need for better facilities, he refused to commit to any immediate action, citing legislative budget constraints. However, he emphasized his support for education funding and encouraged patience as changes take time.
Student Senate Updates
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New Treasurer Appointed – Danny Dunn was appointed Student Senate Treasurer, replacing Linda Noon, who resigned. Dunn’s goals include:
- Incorporating Student Senate
- Implementing an insurance plan for students
- Introducing more diverse student activities
- Encouraging greater student participation in governance
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Insurance Plan Proposal – The Student Senate is considering offering life insurance, hospital/surgical coverage, and cash-in-hand plans for students. They are conducting a survey to gauge interest before implementing the plan.
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Vending Machines Controversy – The administration has proposed removing vending machines from Building 24, prompting student backlash. Critics argue that the machines provide essential food and drink options, particularly for night students who have short breaks. A petition is circulating to prevent their removal.
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Discrimination Complaint Against DMACC – Former Ethical Problems instructor Margaret Gappa has filed a complaint against the administration, alleging sex discrimination in hiring and contract renewal practices. A judicial committee will investigate, and the Civil Rights Commission is also involved. This case is considered a major test of DMACC’s Affirmative Action policies.
Campus Events and Activities
Upcoming and Recent Events
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Chili Supper Fundraiser (Feb. 27) – The Dental Hygiene Association is hosting a chili supper fundraiser at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. Proceeds will help fund the club’s trip to a national conference in Las Vegas.
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Karate Club Meeting – The Shotokan Karate Club has started meeting in Building 24. The club focuses on physical fitness, self-defense, and mastering the art of karate. Members plan to compete against Iowa State and other schools.
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Student Lounge Opens in Building 31 – A new student lounge was created as a quiet study space. It was funded by a grant from the student bookstore and developed by a committee led by former Student Body President John Van Rees.
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Who’s Who on Campus – The paper features profiles of DMACC faculty and staff, including:
- Don Kerr (Dean of Student Relations) – enjoys singing in a barbershop chorus
- Julia Haggar (Instructor) – an avid needlepoint and crochet enthusiast
- Merrill Rees (Librarian) – a conservationist and member of the Sierra Club
- Dee Johnson (Commercial Art Director) – enjoys sailing, tennis, and gardening
Student Opinions and Editorials
Key Editorials
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“Urban Campus Needs Commitment” – The editorial board criticizes Governor Ray’s reluctance to commit to funding Urban Campus improvements. The piece argues that students deserve better facilities and resources and that political inaction is unacceptable.
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“Vending Machines Must Stay” – The editorial opposes the removal of vending machines from Building 24, calling them essential for students who study, socialize, and wait for test results in the pit area. The editorial urges students to sign the petition to keep them.
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“Littering in the Pit Area” – A columnist criticizes students for leaving the pit area in Building 24 littered with trash. The article warns that if students don’t take responsibility for keeping it clean, vending machines could be removed.
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“Midterms – A Time to Study and Cry” – A humorous column about the stress of midterms, including cramming for tests, writing term papers, and struggling to register for classes. The writer sarcastically suggests hoping for an “instant knowledge” pill to make studying easier.
1976 Presidential Election and Political Coverage
Iowa Caucuses and Presidential Race
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Democratic Caucus Results:
- Jimmy Carter won with 27% of the vote, solidifying his status as a frontrunner.
- Birch Bayh finished second (13%), while Fred Harris made a surprisingly strong showing at 9%.
- Other candidates, including Mo Udall and Sargent Shriver, underperformed.
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Republican Caucus Results:
- Ronald Reagan showed strong support, though Gerald Ford maintained a slim lead.
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Behind-the-Scenes at the Caucus Night Headquarters
- The Hilton Inn in Des Moines was packed with journalists, campaign staff, and political volunteers.
- The event was chaotic and exciting, with national media personalities like Roger Mudd (CBS) and ABC’s Herbert Kaplow covering the action.
- The article humorously notes how different campaign teams had distinctive drinking preferences (Harris supporters drank Pickett’s beer, Bayh’s team had Olympia, and Udall’s crew favored whiskey).
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Caucus Survey – The newspaper polls students about their caucus participation, candidate preferences, and political engagement.
Entertainment and Culture
Film and Literature
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New Film Studies Course – DMACC is offering a new class, “Motion Picture Structure & Analysis”, which will explore American values in films. Movies to be screened include “Birth of a Nation,” “Easy Rider,” and “Walking Tall.”
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Poetry and Creative Writing – The “Express Yourself” section features student-submitted poetry and short writings about topics such as loneliness, human nature, and political activism.
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Satirical Marijuana Commentary – A humorous article categorizes different types of marijuana smokers, from “burnouts” to “weekend warriors”. The piece is lighthearted but subtly critiques stereotypes surrounding cannabis users.
Miscellaneous and Advertisements
Classifieds and Campus Services
- Free Classifieds – Students can submit ads for buying/selling items, carpooling, and job opportunities.
- Typing Machines in Need of Repair – A student reports that library typewriters are malfunctioning and suggests students delay returning library books as a protest until they are fixed.
Campus Advertisements
- Discounts and Coupons – Includes free drinks at Henry’s Drive-In and King’s Restaurant, as well as reduced rates on Kentucky Fried Chicken meals.
- Live Music at The New Totem Pole – The club promotes progressive live entertainment, featuring jazz and soul bands.
- “Hypnosis Can Help You Quit Smoking and Lose Weight” – A local business offers hypnosis therapy sessions for behavior modification.
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