The Issues
-Adding the A+ grading system
-Student involvement in the search for a new president
-Ideas on how to update the campus
-Providing bicycles for students and encouraging sustainability
Student Council met with Mary Kerr, executive assistant to the president, on Monday to discuss student involvement in the presidential search and other campus issues. As Otterbein President C. Brent DeVore's retirement draws near, students are concerned that their voices will not be heard in determining his replacement. "Students will be the ones most affected by the change, so we want to have a say in what happens" said sophomore Ben Leffel, Student Council president. "We all have a lot of respect for President DeVore and we want to make sure that we have that same respect for whoever takes his place." Student Council hopes to host "Meet and Greets" in the near future with potential candidates. "We'd like for students to have a chance to meet the candidates, speak with them and really see what they're all about. We think that's really important," Leffel added. "One thing we want to make sure of is that we get all students involved," said Kerr. "The presidential search committee hasn't determined exactly how the candidate interview process will work but I'm sure there will be appropriate representation from all students, including undergraduate, graduate and continuing studies." Kerr also motivated Council to continue their efforts in voicing student concerns and initiating changes on campus. "I see the role of student council as a forum to discuss issues that students may wish to bring to Senate and to discuss any bill proposals before Senate meetings so students can make informed decisions," she said. Council furthered their discussion of Otterbein's curb appeal and brainstormed ideas to update campus, including adding sculptures and murals on and around buildings, placing more benches and picnic tables near dorms and sidewalks and increasing signage. In addition, Kerr addressed Council about the possibility of providing bicycles for students to use as a means to get around campus and the surrounding Westerville area. "Some colleges are providing bikes for students to use if they don't bring their cars to campus. This alleviates some of the parking congestion," said Kerr. Both students and personnel could access the bikes and support one of the strategic plan's goals of moving toward sustainability. Also on the agenda was the A+ grading system. The scale would balance out the A- making it possiblefor students to earn a 4.0 grade point average. "It would benefit students by rewarding those who put in the extra time and dedication to get a higher grade," said Will Ferrall, Student Council treasurer. While other schools similar to Otterbein do not use this system, council doesn't mind being original with their idea. "Senior Year Experience, Integrative Studies and College Senate are all unique to Otterbein, so why not have a unique grading system as well?" Ferrall added. Council is currently working with faculty on a proposal for this system and hopes to have it completed by the first Senate meeting next fall. The meeting closed with a recap of council's May 7th meeting with President DeVore in regard to the West Main Street Bridge. Student Council will wrap up the year Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m. t&c;
