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Show The Forum - 2 January 23, 2001 Faculty Leaves 1 By Cecily Ellis Staff Writer When you think of a professor's duties, thoughts of them slaving over hours of homework isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But in reality, keeping up with their field and maintaining a fresh outlook is part of their job. Studying, research, and even writing lengthy papers are all part of their profession. Because this kind of work enriches both the teacher and the students, many colleges allow selected members of the faculty some time off to pursue this growth. Known as sabbatical and merit leaves, this time off allows distinguished faculty to engage in research, attend programs, and even exchange teaching positions with others in their field. It allows professors time not available while teaching to further develop in their profession and bring new information and skills to the classroom. Each fall Westminster selects faculty members out of several applicants to receive this honor. For the 2001-200- 2 academic year two sabbaticals and two merit leaves were awarded. Both serve the same purpose but differ in required length of employment. Those receiving sabbaticals are Dr. Jerry Van Os and Dr. Maria Wrotniak. Merit leaves were given to Dr. Fred Fogo and Dr. Gothard Grey. Professors are selected for this time off based on a proposal stating what they plan to achieve during their leave. Dr. Jerry Van Os began his career as an accountant. The decision to teach came after an adjunct opportunity proved not only enjoyable but also challenging. After teaching at Westminster for 18 years, and 10 years at another college prior. Dr. Van Os will take time off next year to continue his professional education. He plans to complete a certification in financial management, which requires passing a comprehensive examination. He will use his sabbatical to prepare for this exam. He will also be completing several American Institute of CPA sponsored courses and workshops in aspects of electronic commerce that he feels need to be addressed in his curriculum. This leave will also allow him to complete his academic research and publish a paper for the Information Resource Management Association. When asked what he plans to gain during this time Dr. Van Os responded that he looks forward to "expanding his teaching competencies, acquiring new skills and continuing professional development." He believes that this leave will allow him to "come back with a renewed purpose and expanded knowledge." Professor of economics Dr. Maria Wrotniak has taught at Westminster since 1989 and at the University of Lodz in Poland previous to that. She says that choosing economics as her field was "just a coincidence" and is the result of her political experience. Dr. Wrotniak has her roots in Poland and before immigrating to the United States was a political activist who held high rank in the Solidarity movement. As an economist, it was especially clear to her that communism was seriously hindering economic performance. With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, the political system has changed drastically in eastern Europeans countries, and Poland is striving to develop a full functioning market economy. This transition is the basis for Dr. Wrotniak's sabbatical leave. In 1999 she was invited to work for Poland's new democratic government, where she had the opportunity not only to analyze but actually partake in the process of creating their new market economy-- a rare opportunity for an economist. During her stay she gath franchised and unrepresented by the current political system. Prof. Tripp, founder of the Citizen for Election Reform, got the protesters in good sprits as he jeered at the electoral process. Tripp reminded everyone that the "man Photo by Maritza I. Herrera going into office Professor Chuck Tripp speaks at Saturday morntoday did not win the popular vote. ings protest. The people did not PROTEST, from page 1 put Bush in office. Two hundred chised." Lewis feels that Florida and seventy-on- e electors and five of State Katharine Court did." Secretary Justices Supreme Harris failed Americans in her Tripp agrees with Lewis that there wanton neglect of the Voter's were major irregularities in the Bill of Rights. Additionally, Florida election. He believes that Lewis feels that we need to seek Republican election officials in remedies of justice in the elecSeminole and Marin County who tion process by including all citadmitted to wrong doing in the izens in the voting process. election should be brought to justice for violating Florida and U.S. Millions of citizens in the Election laws. United States pay taxes and are of members productive Others from Westminster society; however, they do not have the voiced their displeasure as well. right to vote because they are Westminster Green Party member Jeanetta Williams, Zachary Lowe attended because, President of the Salt Lake "I am upset with the failure of Branch NAACP believes this is democracy in a country that was founded on democracy." While unjust. "I think a citizens rights should be restored after they are student Gabe De Roda said, "I'm let out of prison. Including the here to educate myself on how to take action in the community and right to vote." She feels these minoriwho are to support the Green Party, as people, mostly ties or people of color, are disen well" ex-felo- Bonnie Macri of Justice Economic Dignity and Independence (JEDI) for Women agreed with the message of the CCFD saying, "Women, especially minority women, are disenfran- chised in our society. They have no voice. We are here to give them a voice." JEDI for Women tries to give low wageworkers and all citizens fair representation within our political and social systems. The U of U Student Green Party had a banner and many influential members holding signs and speaking. Amy Hines spoke on electoral reform and the "Voter's Bill of Rights". Some reforms suggested in the "Bill of Rights" are the abolition of the Electoral College, campaign finance reform, and voting rights for former prisoners. A group of young and exciting progressives from Provo with Food Not Bombs (FNB) provided food and much enjoyment to the event with their energy. Although they did not officially endorse the protest, they agreed that corporations are taking over our democracy. The group of about ten strong kicked off the protest as they started to beat on drums and chant. The protest seemed to pick up steam as Lewis stated, "We all agree that something went wrong and will not let what happened in Florida happen in Utah. We won't let it happen in Utah." As the protesters proceeded ered a great deal of information about the past and current economic state of her country. During her leave she will be able to process this information and "explore the historical, cultural, and institutional underpinnings" of the countries still attempting to transition from communism to a free market. Dr. Wrotniak has already designed a class pertaining to this subject entitled 'Transition Economies" which she plans on teaching this May. This is Dr. Fred Fogo's 11th year at Westminster. He has taught previously at Tahoe College, University of Nevada, Northern Nevada Community College, University of Arizona, and the University of Utah. His field being communications, naturally Dr. Fogo is interested in media coverage. His leave next year will provide him excellent material as it corresponds with the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. During this time Dr. Fogo's task will be to record and examine "various themes and narrative structures" in the media coverage of the winter games. He hopes to go out with NBC sports reporters on some of their assignments and observe as they develop the dramatic story to tell the viewers. He believes that the Games "become a unifying event that downplays differences and reaffirms core values and consensus." This time off will enable Dr. Fogo to thoroughly examine the underlying values that are the essence of the Olympic coverage. This will be the first chance since publishing a book (I Read the News Today: The Social Drama of John Lennon's Death) in 1994 for Dr. Fogo to embark on a serious research project. This leave will provide him an excellent chance to study the high drama of Olympic sports coverage. Upon his return he hopes to publish his findings. "I am looking forward to this project and appreciate the opportunity to do it" says Dr. Fogo. down State Street, FNB began to drum and the rally became even more energized as the group marched into downtown Salt Lake City and chanted, "What do we want to see? DEMOCRACY! When do we want it? NOW!" The sounds of the drums and the voices began to bounce around and echo off the tall concrete walls of the city. pro-teste- tfie VV r's Westminster student ' Patrick McShane marched in front of a coffin symbolizing the death of democracy carrying a bouquet of dead roses. T am here because of my disgust with the system. I want change." People dressed in suits wearing George W. Bush, Jr. masks and cowboy hats carried the coffin See PROTEST, page 4 Fonum . (t iltl'-tLi-; Editor Staff Writers Rachel Carlson Laurie Ashby Brandon Christensen Production Manager Amy Young Cecily Ellis Matt Gaschk Jason McDonald Copy Editor Amanda Shiner Photo Editor Maritza 1. Faculty Advisor Fred Fogo Hererra Business Manager Heather Bodrero Forum is published every Tuesday, Letters are encouraged from students, faculty, staff and other readers. Address all ietters to: The Forum , Westminster College, 1840 S. 1300 E., Salt Lake City; LIT 84105, Only signed letters will be accepted and The Forum reserves the right to edit all submissions. Views expressed are those of the writer and are not to be considered those of the The Forum , ASWC, faculty, staff or administration. The f |