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Show Opinion SOUTHERN UTAH STATE COLLEGE, CEDAR CITY THE THUNDERBIRD THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989 PAGE 4 STUDENTS CAN LEARN OUTSIDE CLASSROOM Final examinations lie less than one week away, making all of us at SUSC acutely aware of the important role of academia in our lives. Students and their mentors would be wise to remember, education is not however, that the best, most book. acquired solely by the SUSCs Faculty Senate issued a statement this month encouraging the colleges faculty and students to place academic considerations first, extracurricular matters second. The Thunderbird supports this contention wholeheartedly; academic excellence is and must always be the top priority of SUSC and its students. Such an orientation has long been implied, and we compliment the members of this years Faculty Senate for having the foresight to preserve the opinion in writing. However, with so much attention focused on the academic, students and faculty members alike risk losing sight of the value extracurricular and cocurricular activities provide. Realistically, the majority of collegiate learning will or should take place in the classroom. A college education would hardly be worth the cost if that werent the case. But, when making educational plans, students must remember that the classroom doesnt offer knowledge exclusively; opportunities exist elsewhere, both on and off campus, to supplement the principles picked up in the classroom. Many candidates in this years ASSUSC election espoused the importance of student internships, and former student interns will attest to the educational value of such programs. Without this or similar experiences, students are robbed of the opportunity their skills in a to situation, to put their academic progress to the test. Knowledge without application falls terribly short of the primary objective of a secondary education. Extracurricular and cocurricular activities have, time and again, proven their worth for interpersonal relationships. Knowledge as the is borne on the back of communication, and communication skills often acquired outside the classroom provide the very cement that binds society. Few of our student government officials would trade their leadership skills for a higher GPA, and we at The Thunderbird would likewise argue the value of our cocurricular efforts. Academic instruction should, of course, be our foremost concern; thats why were here. But moderation is, as usual, the key. Like SUSCs Faculty Senate, we hope that all students will find enrichment both in and out of class. Students with their noses buried constantly in books will miss substantial opportunities for educational growth. Should this happen, both society and the student will ultimately lose. t well-round- test-driv- real-worl- e testing-groun- ? Don't worry d d t Child abuse shelter needs student help TO THE EDITOR: Child abuse is one of the most common yet most neglected problems in the United States. In Iron County alone, 20 to 30 reports of child abuse are investigated every month (two to five of which are sexual), while 75 to 95 percent are unreported. Child abuse is not prejudiced; it is a problem that can happen to everyone at any time in their lives. The Family Support and Crisis The Thunderbird VOLUME 83, NUMBER 31 Sports & Outdoors Editor Brent Richey Production Manager Lynn Dennett Senior Staff Writers Jodi Reinard Rachel Talbot Ad Representative Michelle Jensen Faculty Adviser Larry Baker The Thunderbird is published each Monday and Thursday of the academic year by and for the student body of Southern Utah State College and is not affiliated in any way with the Colleges department of communication The views and opinions expressed tn The Thunderbird are the opinions of the publications individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the institution, faculty, staff or student body m general. The unsigned editorial directly above is the opinion of The Thunderbird as a single entity. Letters to the editor must be typed and include the name and phone number. Only the name will be printed. Names will not be withheld under any circumstances and the editor reserves editing privileges Letters must be submitted by noon Fridays for Monday editions; 5 p.m Tuesdays for Thursday editions. The Thunderbird editorial and advertising offices in SUSC Library 103 Mail at SUSC Box 8 or 9384, Cedar City, UT 84720 Phone (801) Nursery, at 2075 West 3000 North, is headed by Teresa Kolsen and is just what parents need. The house, run by volunteers, will take children, newborn to eight years of age for 72 hours to help alleviate any chances of abuse. SUSCs Baptist Student Union chapter is having a drive this Saturday to collect childrens clothes, old toys, furniture and, other items for the Centers April 1 opening. The Center is partially funded federally but needs the communitys support also. BSU has challenged other clubs to help or to match what they raise Saturday. If you would like to help or volunteer, you may call Teresa Kolsen at BSU is a group of many different denominations that discusses modern problems using the Bible as a guide. Everyone is welcome to come. We meet every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Braith waite Center 204. 586-050- 3. Shayna Miller Faculty says academics must come first TO THE EDITOR: Editor Nicole Bonham Associate Editor Lynn Holt Photo Editor Rich Engleman On Campus Editor Carrie Martinez Copy Editor Anne McCloskey Arts &. Leisure Editor Gary Ziegler Be MR.loWeR HAPPf. This consideration It is our view that extracurricular activities are a necessary and worthy part of the college experience at SUSC. We are concerned, however, that in some cases they may have a deleterious effect the on academic performance of the students involved. Those who schedule encourage extra-curricul- and ar activities bear much responsibility for the students under their charge. To avoid even the possibility of student exploitation, we hope that leaders will give serious consideration to the academic obligations of their students. should include the use of tutors, advisors, and other academic assistance from the organization in question. extra-curricul- ar We would remind all students activities are indeed That is, they are of secondary importance that extra-curricul- r. to students academic which are responsibilities, presumably the principle reason for their enrolling at SUSC. In that regard, students should remember that they bear the primary responsibility for their academic performance. If extracurricular activities keep them away from class, it is they who must advise instructors and arrange for satisfactory makeup work. Each instructor may handle makeup for missed classes, tests, and assignments according to hisher own policies. No student should assume that their activities, regardless of how worthwhile, excuse them from the work expected of every student enrolled in the course. Finally, we hope that all students will have the opportunity for enriching activities at SUSC, both in and out of class. We, the faculty of SUSC, encourage those activities and urge all who are engaged in them to keep them in their proper perspective. SUSC Faculty Senate i i |