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Show nanuBaaaaoURMti Volume XXIII, Issue 21 Dixie College May 5, 1994 St. George, Utah claries J By Aubrey Dcnslev Sun Editor m Chic The salaries of faculty members at Utahs public institutions were the only funds unavailable to the public until Monday. Now, as a result of a bill passed in the most recent session of the Utah Legislature, all salaries of faculty members at Dixie College and other institutions are public information. Dixie College students, alumni and faculty members had mixed reactions to the new law. I dont think it's something for the press. I would be ulTended. if I were a teacher and everyone knew how much I w as making. It kind of puts them in a social category. -- Hannon Ford Robert Slack, an associate professor in the humanities department, said he had mixed feelings about the law at first. But when he reali.ed Utah was the only state that did not make the salaries known, he supported the law. Utah shouldnt be dealt (with) differently than any other state, Slack said. Faculty members work hard for their salaries. Slack said, and he doesn't think any one will be embarrassed. Louise Excell, an assistant professor in the English department, said as a taxpayer, she feels it is her right to know the salaries. And as educators, there is only a chance to gain. won't be embarrassed," Excell said. She said many people may realize ail of the work that is done for such 1 little pay. Its not my I'm not going to go up and business. How much do make before taking their class. -- Misty Kirkland say you Some students agree with faculty members who support the law. don't think it's a bad idea, said Tom Johnson, a Dixie College alumnus and a junior studying communications at Southern Utah University. People should know where state money and tax dollars are its good to know what being spent people are making. Dixie freshman Cheryl Clegg said she agreed with the new law and believes students can become more involved by knowing what thier instructors make. Going outside the lines - Assistant Professor Del Parson gives his son, Brock, some suggestions on his painting. hours Parson spends many helping students cultivate their aesthetic abilities. (Photo by Caelica Godfrey) -- have some teachers who are getting paid megabucks and are late to class, she said. I have others who are very dedicated and always on time. Clegg said faculty who are paid less seem to be better teachers and they should be rewarded for their efforts. I think we, as students, can now petition for those teachers who we feel should be paid more, Clegg said. I But not everyone approves of the new law. Travis Wood, a senior at SUU will do more harm than good. Wood said the the law may be used to evaluate raises and cut majoring in political science, said salaries should not be made public information. When it gets to point where it impedes, it should not be public, said Wood, a Dixie College graduate think in practical application the law departments. Utah already has trouble getting qualified professors and the U (University of Utah) pays an average of $5,000 less than comparable institutions around the country," Wood . Huddleston says no to prayer at graduation Burt Harvey News Editor During a meeting last week, Dixie College President Robert Huddleston announced 'here would be no prayer during commencement ceremonies this year. A 1993 Supreme Court ruling states prayer cannot be said at any function related 10 a public institution such schools, city council meetings, etc. Av Him Huddleston said the reason behind inning prayer at graduation is because Dixie d public College is a 'nstitution and no other junior colleges in state-owne- Utah will have prayer at their graduation ceremonies. Huddleston made his decision without any student input. He said although students can recommend that a prayer be said at graduation, ultimately the final decision lay with him and he never received any such recommendations. Susan Orchard, a Dixie College English professor, said although she agrees with Huddleston's decision, she thinks the president should have made more of an effort to inform the students of the option. Should students have a choice of v.hat happens at their school? Orchard said. Yes, I think so, said. JVhats Inside Features While some students report they are concerned about the decision, others feel it is not an issue. Diana Ovry, a freshman at Dixie, said she feels eliminating prayer from graduation is not that big of a deal. If nobody was being offended, then it wouldn't be an issue, she said. You shouldn't have to pray or listen to a prayer. Ovry suggested instead of saying a prayer, the school should have a minute of silence during the ceremonly. f ports 7 Nuriti"--Ho- w healthy are you? Take the quiz and see how much you know. Dixie stars sign Members of the Dixie Rebel , basketball team sign with Division I .schools. |