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Show 'I'PEtt&fr. 111 it -Cj 41; O pnimnini Heather Stallings, editor in chief Phone: 626-7121 CD m mm VIEWPOINT Childcare: frustration for non-traditional students I've always been a non-traditional student and have faced the frustrating task of trying to take care of my children while going to college. Babysitters are a way of life, a life that seems to be more frustrating as time goes by . When my first child was small, finding someone to take care of him wasn't so hard. But after spending a few years at home and having another child, things have changed drastically. Daycare is hard to find. In September last year, I started school again. Finding a sitter was not fun. When I finally found one, she could only babysit four days a week. I had four days covered, and I needed someone for the fifth day. I ended up with two babysitters for one child (my other child is in school.) It really wasn't so bad until the babysitter's daughter became ill. I shuffled my daughter around to relatives and friends for two weeks before finding a backup. A week later, the backup called to say she couldn't babysit anymore. Two weeks later one of my babysitters moved. I had a week to find a replacement. I ended up taking my daughter to class with me several times and begging mysister-in-law to watch her when I couldn't. I was stressed. This was a big hassle. I wanted to quit school. Since 43 percent of Weber State University's student body is considered non-traditional, this child care problem is probably widespread. Although WSU has a preschooldaycare for the children of students, faculty and staff, their children must be three by the time school starts in September. There is also a two-quarter waiting list. The preschool is a big help to parents attending school, but with such a high percentage of non-traditional students at WeberState, university officials should be aware of parents' needs. It would be great if the university could set up a daycare for children under three. A daycare close to campus would be extremely helpful to parents who leave a half hour or more before classes just to get the kids to the sitter. Parents have to pay for the time it takes to drop off the kids and then pick them up before and after class, not just the time they're in class. The daycare would not only be helpful to parents, but may also provide some revenue for the university. Many people may think that child care isn't such a big deal. To parents, however, it is. Taking care of their children is a parent's highest priority. We can't concentrate on our studies when we're worried about our kids. Without a good support system that includes adequate daycare, most parents wouldn't even be able to attend school. The administration needs to recognize these important needs of non-traditional students. Signpost Viewpoint written by Colleen Hales, assistant copy editor. The Signpost Recipient of the UPA General Excellence award Editor in chief Managing editor News editor A&E editor Assign, editor Sports editor Copy editor Features editor Graphics editor Photo editor Production mngr. Advertising mngr. Secretary Adviser Publisher Heather R. Stallings Taylor S. Fielding Alisa Rasmussen Sue Shipman Melissa Karren Brandon Rodak Lisa M. Jensen Heather Wallentine Broc Porter Frank Dankwa Tyler Lafon Emily Berry Georgia Edwards Dr. S. Josephson Dr. Randy Scott The Signpost Phone numbers Editor in chief Managing editor News desk Arts desk Sports desk Assignments Production Advertising Adviser Fax 626-7121 626-7105 626-7507 626-7105 626-7983 626-7983 626-6358 626-6359 626-6164 626-7401 The Signpostis published Monday, Wednesday and Friday during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. Subscription is S9 a quarter. The ?grsUis a student publication, written, edited and drafted by Weber State University students. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 350 words. Letters must include name, address, telephone number, relationship to staff and the signature of the writer. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and also reserves the right to refuse to print any letter. Bring letters to the editorial office In UB 267 or mail to: The Signpost, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah 84408-2110. Attn: Jeff Hurt, editor in chief. s "sT" Wf LOVE glp 3 NO, BILL,,, I YOU BCjC-' WU CANT MpVwwgrioimy.cam A deserved tribute to Provost Smith What do you say about a colleague you've associated with closely for 15 collegiate years? That he had "mastered a sense of humor" according to Associate Professor of English Judy Elsley, that he "had the scientist's eye for detail and the writer's knack for figurative language," said Assistant Professor of Travel & Study Abroad John Kartchner, or that he "was just what Weber College needed at that time (1 981 )-new blood, a chemist from California via Las Vegas and an academician" said former Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees Gwen Williams. Those were some of the things that were said about Robert B Smith, WSU's soon-to-be "Provost Emeritus," May 24, at a reception held at the Lindquist Alumni Center in honor of his retirement June 30. Smith was presented wi th a "Memory Book" if anecdotes, thoughts, memories, advice, and wishes by WSU President Paul H. Thompson at the event. Other comments in the book under "As a final word (of advice, etc.) Bob, I would like to say. . . " were "I felt your support. . . " said Instructor of Communication Rick Sline, "Through all of this, your friendship has been most important to me" said Superintendent of the Weber County School District Steve Mecham, to "My verybestwishes for your 'Rite of Passage'" said Professor of English Neila Seschachari, to "What, me give advice?" said former dean of the College of Science Cy McKell. The vitae issued by the Weber ErU Consider '4 the Source ) V SueSpillane- i i. Bramlette Sate University Office of Administration states Smith's credentials (partially) and they are impressive, as follows: "For 20 years he helped create the then new University of Nevada, Las Vegas, first as a chemistry professor, then as the founding dean of the College of Science, mathematics and engineering. . . For five years, he also chaired the commission that accredits all colleges and universities in seven northwestern states. . . An avid jogger for over 30 years, he lives in Ogden with his wife Adele, who chairs the Odgen City Council. . .three grown children. . ." What does a vitae tell you? If you are writing a resume or an obituary, perhaps, it would be very important stuff. We'd probably have to go through the six pages of achievements, committee seats and honors credited to Smith's career and try to put together a picture of just who this man really is, but I doubt very seriously whether it would be a true picture. The "Memory Book" might come closer to painting one, but not entirely because. . . If you have met our "Provost Emeritus" you know right away there is something more to be said about him than can be captured on an eight-and-a-half-by-eleven sheet of paper. The relaxed greeting or hug or handshake or nod of mutual re spect toward each of over 300 friends and associates who passed through the receiving line at his retirement reception was personalized to each guest, and the comments he made about "stepping aside" and "supporting Adele's career more fully now" were understood and appreciated by those who heard them. This is a man who is supremely civil, but gut-honest and outspoken in his beliefs; one who hasn't always been well-liked for it by others. Ask around briefly at WSU, and you'll find Smith has locked horns with a few people in 15 years over some campus issues. But he has held his own; he's "fought the good fight," he's "finished his course with joy," as they might say at the First Baptist Church where he is a member. Smith (what a simple name) is a complex man who has lived a very disciplined life for nearly six decades, and in light of the creative wellspring and scientific curiosity he's willingly submitted to the task of making WSU and its student population and academic community more successful, it shouldn't surprise any of us that he's arrived at a point of departure from us now. This is, after all, a rare bird we have caged up for a long time, or rather, who has allowed himself to be caged for our benefit. He has graced us with artful effort, studied commitment and procedurally-correct affection. Let us release him to his winged flight now with applause and gratitude, enjoying his final endowment of vicarious joy. 32 uotables The uglier the truth, the truer the friend that tells you." Zen proverb |