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Show October 25, 1SS5 Page? Forum featairei Hm smg' Bfi3fftiHa by Dave Bremahan Despite what the name implies, the LDS Institute is open to people of all faiths, accord- ing to Director Kip Jenkins. Although the organization was formed to cater to the needs of LDS students and faculty, the institute program welcomes everyone, he explained. The Westminster LDS Institute of Religion was first organized on campus in 1973. At that time the present facilities were purchased, located across the street from the campus on 17th South. The program began significant growth in 1981, when Jenkins was hired as director. Jenkins, an LDS bishop, is well qualifed for the job. He has a BA from Boise State, an MS from the University of Utah, and is presently working on his Ph.D. from Brigham Young University. Before coming to Westminster he served as an LDS seminary teacher. Today the facility serves an estimated 80 Westminster students, 50 of whom are actively involved in the various programs available, according to Jenkins. There are numerous programs and activities taking place. Jenkins sited a three-fol- d purpose for the institute program. We provide a program of activities which encompass religious education, provide a home environment, and give wholesome social experiences, he said. WORLD WIDE PROGRAM s There are over 110,000 participants in some phase of the institute program in all 50 states as well as in 60 countries and territories around the world, Jenkins explained. The Westminster Institute offers a number of religious classes Monday or Thursday, all taught by Jenkins. Classes are available on such topics as the Book of Mormon, Old Testament, New Testament, Teachings of the Living Prophets, Church History, Genealogy, Gospel Doctrines, and other areas. Institute classes are provided free of charge The only fee colto both LDS and fee is a lected $5 activity (the program is subsidized by the LDS Church). Classes generally meet twice a week as a two credit course. Students may earn a graduation certificate from the institute for 16 credits or 8 credits for a two year certificate. He emphasized that new students may enroll at any time, even in mid semester. non-LD- S. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED "Institute is not all study, added Jenkins. We have much more to offer. There is a student lounge open every day, and theres a full range of social activities planned and carried out by the students." The lounge, designed to be a home away from home," consists of a kitchen, living room, library, and game room. Students may keep their own food in the kitchen to prepare as they like, use the library to study, visit with friends in the living room, watch a large-scree- n projection TV, or play a number of games available to them. Saint Student Association The Latter-da(LDSSA) is run by student officers with Jenkins serving as advisor. Their purpose is to run fun, wholesome activities. We are fully recognized by, and work within the guidelines of, Westminster College," Jenkins explained. Activities held so far, and on the schedule this semester, are a Canyon Day, a Surprise Dinner, an International Night, a Christmas party, and other events. Jenkins emphasized that these, as well as all events and classes at the institute, are open to both LDS and S students, faculty, family, and friends. ALMOST FREE LUNCH A popular weekly event is a special 50 Cent Lunch at noon on Thursday. Lunches vary each week, but some of the most popular and most frequently served are tacos and pizza. There is always an ample supply, and it is open A i I I i t'Jl i- ''I - 1 I i f y non-LD- - . -- to everyone. The LDSSA Student Council is made up of a representative for male students, female students, foreign students, social events, and publicity. At present these individuals are: Paul Christiansen, Kerrie Jennings, Mitsugu Becky Nicponsky, and Shawn Hemingway, respectively. LDS students from Westminster belong to the University 24th Ward. Each week members of the 24th Ward hold what is known as Family Home Evening on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. This weekly activity features an hour of various organized games or activities. Students say they enjoy the chance to get a break from studies and a chance to socialize. Jenkins is also assigned to provide religious instruction for students at Stevens-HenagCollege of Business, Utah Technical College- Mat-susak- a, er Ms Facilitate In. '4 LDS Institute is for everyone to enjoy. Skill Center, and will add all trades schools to that list eventually. Our priority is to make Westminster a fulltime, independent institute. Then someone will handle the others separately," he explained. GROWTH EXPECTED Continued growth over the next several years is expected as Westminster concentrates its recruiting efforts on the Salt Lake Valley area. The LDS Church expects a large growth of local students at Westminster as admissions requirements at the Uniersity of Utah are toughened, according to Jenkins. Because of the importance the LDS Church places on Westminster, it makes significantly large financial contributions to them, he noted. Weve enjoyed a very good relationship with . everyone on the campus. I speak in Dr. Alice Boyacks religion classes each year, I was asked to be a part of the committee to select our new campus chaplin, I work with the chaplin in every way I can, and the LDSSA participates in the Interfaith Council, Jenkins said. A number of plans are being made for the future. A study will soon be made to determine 0 what are the needs of the students attending Westminster and how they can be met. We also want to see how we can be of greater service to the faculty and staff. Our emphasis will be, as it has always been, religious toleration and working together towards common goals and needs, he said. Plans are also underway for such things as a Stop Smoking Workshop, an extensive slide presentation on the lands of the New Testament, and guest speakers of interest to all. 300-50- non-traditio- Environment Hogle, Garlesom Halls by Sharon Cook Westminster has always prided itself on providing its students with a education. For the students living on campus in the residence halls, their educations don't stop when they close their books for the day. Doug Noertker, director of campus life, said, "Learning to share in the development of a community and to take responsibility in the governing of that community is a vital part of many students college education. At Westminster there are four RA's (Resident Advisors) helping to enhance the learning experience of those living in the residence halls. They are: Rick Andrae, Joan Mitchell, Kathy Schultz and Ben Williams. In addition, there are two senior RAs: Chuck Chiarotti and Merri Lee Barton. According to Noertker, The RAs have numerous rolls to fill. One of which is a role model. The RAs are selected each spring by Noertker and the Dean of Students. Tradition well-round- fi. it U I ed ally, students having been selected for these positions have been sophomores, juniors and seniors who have demonstrated qualities of leadership, responsibility, interest in other students, and who also have good academic records. Our goal is to provide accommodations and programs to meet the needs of students while promoting a growing academic and social environment, says Noertker, The idea behind staff perthe RAs is that they are a part-tim- e son in the resident hall. They are there to facili-- , tate an environment which is conducive to learning. Noertker adds that RAs are very visible and most demonstrate behavior acceptable to the resident halls. The duties of the RAs are many. They are administrators of campus policies, resource persons, activity programmers, counselors and most importantly, friends. Because the RAs are dealing on a one-to-o- ne basis with the students, they face many chalIn addition, Senior RAs coordinate rooms in lenges. At one time the RAs have to play the the halls for visiting friends and relatives to enforcer but at the next, they must show the stay in. students empathy and counsel them, said Noertker. The RAs are also expected to know RAs are assigned for each day of the week to their own limitations and when to contact oth- ensure that students have someone available to ers for help with a serious problem. talk with at all times. Senior RAs are given special training by While the other students kick back and relax Noertker, the campus chaplain and others after classes, the RAs are always "on duty and trained in the areas of counseling, time manto act in an acceptable manner. expected agement and leadership. According to one of the RAs, We sometimes The RAs receive compensation for their ser- wonder why we ever accepted the job, and at vices in the form of board and room. Although other times, its hard to believe were getting according to Chiarotti, senior RA, There are paid for having a good time. more than just monetary rewards. The best part of being an RA is interacting with the The RA position is one of many challenges other students. and responsibilities, but the leadership and The main difference between the RAs and management skills acquired by the RA's will Senior RAs is the level of responsibility. Senior undoubtedly benefit them in the future. Were RAs are responsible for operations . ponstaptjy. learning ita a great .experience,' said Andre. such as maintenance, and duty schedules. day-to-d- ay |