The Campus Chronicle March 14, 2003 - UMass

2March 14, 2003The Campus ChronicleLettersReorganize states, not higher educationWhile reading Gov. Romney’s proposalsfor reorganizing higher education in Massachusetts, I realized that theNew England states (totalpopulation about 15 million;land area 63,000 square miles)might save considerablyby having one governorand legislatureinstead of six.After all, otherstates, such asTexas (population21 million; land area262,000 square miles)and California(population 35 million; land area156,000 square miles), are much larger andhave only one governor.Another possibility is to duplicate theDakotas and Carolinas with North New England (3.3 million people in Maine, Vermont,and New Hampshire; 49,000 squaremiles) and South New England (11 million in Massachusetts, Rhode Island,and Connecticut; 14,000 squaremiles).Of course, seats (and clout)would be lost in the U.S. Senateand other disadvantages arelikely. But if tax cuts and budgetreductions are the highest priority, then merging small states seems apossible solution for savings ratherthan cutting essential services in education, health care, human services, infrastructure, and other areas. My preference is to pay my share of taxes forthese services.IRENE STARRAmherstIrene Starr is the retired director of theForeign Language Resource Center.Equinox to be marked at sunwheelThe vernal equinox will be marked at thecampus’ sunwheel March 20-21 with sunrise and sunset presentations by Astronomy professor Judith Young. The public is invited to visit the site and observethe sun rise and set over the standingstones of the sunwheel.The exact instant of the equinox is 8 p.m.on March 20. On that day any observer onthe equator will see the sun pass directlyoverhead at noon. At that moment, the observer will not cast a shadow. For observers elsewhere around the globe, the sun isup for 12 hours and down for 12 hours onthe equinox.From the sunwheel, says Young, theequinox sun will be seen rising and settingthrough the stone portals in the east andwest.Visitors should arrive for the sunriseviewings at 5:45 a.m and 5 p.m. for the sun-set observations. Young will discuss thecause of the seasons, the sun’s path in thesky, the phases of the moon and the storyof the sunwheel.Participants are advised to wear warmclothing suitable for standing on frozen orsoggy ground. In the event of rain, the programs will be canceled.A 3 donation is requested. SunwheelT-shirts and sweatshirts will be on salewith proceeds going toward the future installation of stone paths at the site.The sunwheel is located south ofMcGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off RockyHill Road.For information visit the sunwheel website (www.umass.edu/sunwheel/index2.html) or call Judy Young at 5-4311.Class or group visits can also be arranged by contacting her by phone or email (young@astro.umass.edu).Library exhibits maps, Du Bois materials“The Souls of Black Folk: A CentennialExhibit,” celebrating the 1903 publication of“The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. DuBois, is on display through May 9 at Special Collections and Archives on the 25thfloor of the Du Bois Library.The exhibit features original manuscriptmaterials as well as photographs and correspondence from the W.E.B. Du Bois Papers, which are held in Special Collectionsand Archives.Also on view through March is “Viewsof the Earth: Up, Down and Sideways,” anexhibit of basic map types from theLibrary’s collection illustrating the topographic, geologic, cross-section, political,and satellite perspectives of landscapes.The changing temporal dimension is revealed in the juxtaposition of maps of preand post-Quabbin Western Massachusetts, and colonial and independent African states.The exhibit was created by staff memberSandy Lillydahl. The exhibit is on the mainfloor of the Du Bois Library.Alumni Association sponsors student seminarsThe Alumni Association is sponsoringtwo seminars for students to help them prepare for the “real world” on Monday,March 24.“Avoid Looking Stupid at Dinner,” ashort course in table etiquette, wines, andpotentially unfamiliar foods, followed by“W4401kHMO: Translating Day 1 at Work”will be held in the 163C Lincoln CampusCenter, beginning at 7 p.m.The seminars will be presented by Cap& Compass, a company which specializesin helping college students manage in theworld of work. Both seminars are free andopen to all UMass Amherst students.For more information, contact JenniferArsenault, associate director for alumnicommunications, at 5-2107 or by e-mail(jlarsena@admin.umass.edu).CorrectionWhen it reigns, it pours: Thanks to all ourreaders who noticed the incorrect headline“Brown takes reigns as new leader in Music and dance” (March 7). Our eagle eyeaward goes to Bill Venman, who was thefirst to bring it to our attention.Getting in shapeStan Sherer photoSophomore Sara Labb (front), junior Kelly Grasso, sophomore RachnaRao, senior Kelly Weeks, instructor George Sotiropoulos and junior AndySucharewicz perform floor exercises during a “Jogging and Conditioning”class in the Cage.OIT offers thesis formatting workshopThe Office of Information Technologiesis offering its quarterly workshop on formatting a thesis to meet University requirements Monday, March 31, 9:30 a.m.–12:30p.m.The workshop provides detailed instructions on how to format a thesis to fulfill therequirements of the Graduate School withMicrosoft Word for Windows. The workshop includes margins, footnotes, bibliographies, page numbering, headings, table ofcontents, and more. The workshop is offered once each semester and once duringIntersession and summer.Although OIT reports that there is nolonger sufficient demand for similar coursesfor Word on the Macintosh, older versionsof Word on Windows, and WordPerfect onWindows, materials from those courses arestill available for students who need themon the Web (www.oit.umass.edu/hds/docs)Telephone(413) 545-4818or by purchasing them from OIT.Materials for the course being offeredalso are available to students who are unable to attend the workshop.Pre-registration is required. Studentsshould go to the Administrative Desk inA118 Lederle GRC (5-9730) to register. Thecourse fee is 10.The course covers Microsoft Word2000, Word XP, or Word 97 on Windows95/98. Students need to report which version they are using when pre-registering soOIT will have the appropriate course materials for them.Working knowledge of the student’sversion of Microsoft Word for Windowsand Windows is a prerequisite for the workshop.For information, contact Elisa Campbellat 5-1853 or by e-mail (campbell@oit.umass.edu).The Campus ChronicleEditor: Daniel J. FitzgibbonsAssociate Editor: Sarah R. BuchholzOffice Manager: Christine A. DaviesPhotographer: Stan ShererReporter: Sam Seaver205 Munson HallUniversity of Massachusetts101 Hicks WayAmherst MA 01003-9268E-mail address:campus.chronicle@urd.umass.eduOnline edition:www.umass.edu/chronicleFax(413) 577-0044Deadline for all submissions is Fridayof the week preceding publication.(ISSN 0888-0093) Published weekly duringthe academic year and biweekly during January, June, July and August by Communications and Marketing. Second class postagepaid at Amherst MA 01002. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CampusChronicle, 205 Munson Hall, University ofMassachusetts, 101 Hicks Way, AmherstMA 01003-9268. Mailed to off-campus subscribers for 25 per year.No permission is required to reprint articlesfrom the The Campus Chronicle if appropriatecredit is given.

The Campus ChronicleMarch 14, 20033Bulger slams governor’sstance on public collegesHEARINGFROM PAGE 1Bulger also assailed the administration for blocking a scheduled 371 million bond sale intended tofund campus constructionprojects. Approved in the finaldays of Acting Gov. Jane Swift’sadministration, the bond issuewas stopped at the last minute byRomney, who said the fundingplan had not been reviewed fully.Among the projects to befunded by the bonds are two residence halls at UMass Boston andthe integrated sciences buildingin Amherst.But Secretary of Administration and Finance Eric Kriss saidthe bonds covered several projects not included in the University’s five-year capital plan, including a 19.2 million dining hall atUMass Boston, a 9 million parking garage at UMass Lowell and 1.4 million for athletic fields atDartmouth.The President’s Office conceded that the bond issue was expanded to include projects on apreviously approved 10-yearcapital plan after investment advisors said the move would capitalize on more favorable interestrates. Bulger’s office also saidthat a representative of SalomonSmith Barney, the bond agency,had contacted Kriss and Romneyeducation advisor Peter Nessenabout the planned sale.After Kriss put a hold on thesale, a Bulger spokesman said thebond issue was dead.At Monday’s hearing, Bulgerblasted the action by the governor.“I take this disruption as astark statement of what everypublic campus in Massachusettscould expect under the proposedcorporate model –– unilateral andomnipresent control over all aspects of higher education,” hesaid. “This experience raises thequestion as to whether we shouldconsider eliminating this powerfrom the administration in caseswhere there are no state funds involved in University projects.That, in fact, is the practice inmany other states.”Bulger also told lawmakersthat Romney’s budget proposalwill cut state support for the University by 65 million, including 30 million from the Amherst campus, and lead to as many as 1,500layoffs across the UMass system.“The administration has said itwants to privatize UMassAmherst and UMass Medicalwithin four years,” said Bulger.“The lieutenant governor [KerryHealey] has said that UMassAmherst –– and I quote –– ‘willover the next four years becomeself-sufficient.’“I fear that this administrationis setting us on a path that wouldlead to soaring tuition bills ––leaving behind the many thousands who cannot afford to paythe 25,000 charged at private research universities in Massachusetts.“Let us not privatize theAmerican Dream.”In later testimony, Romney’spick for education secretary, PeterNessen, offered the first details ofRomney’s plan to trim 100 millionfrom public higher education. According to Nessen, the cuts include: 30.1 million from the 69.4 million currently allocated for academic support services, libraries,audiovisual centers, academiccenters and clerical support; 24.3 million from 79.6 millionfor students services, such asathletics, admissions and financial aid offices, new student orientation, health services and career advising; 32.9 million from 89.1 millionfor business offices, publicsafety, human resources, computing services, public relations andalumni services.According to Nessen, another 14 million will be saved by eliminating Bulger’s office, while tuition hikes will generate 50 million in new revenue.Nessen, who was sharply criticized for not providing the figuresto lawmakers prior to the hearing,said campus-by-campus cutshave not been finalized.Legislators on the Ways andMeans panels also took Romneyto task for using Bain and Co. todevelop a restructuring plan without consulting campus officials.A representative of Bain, who attended the hearing to assist Nessen in answering questions, wasnot allowed to address the lawmakers.Stan Sherer photoFirst-year student Paul Schunk offered an opposing view on the Iraq crisis during last week’s antiwar demonstration at the Student Union.30 faculty sign anti-war letter to BushSam SeaverCHRONICLE STAFFApproximately 30 faculty members and librarians signed an antiwar resolution to be sent to President George W. Bush, SenatorsEdward Kennedy, John Kerry andU.S. Rep. John Olver at a March11 meeting in the Lincoln CampusCenter.Initiated by Faculty Senatesecretary Ernest May and RonStory, president of the Massachusetts Society of Professors, andmoderated by Political Scienceprofessor Jerry Mileur, the forumwas held to discuss possible political action and to allow facultymembers to express their opinionson the impending war with Iraq.Professor of Philosophy andWomen’s Studies Ann Fergusonproposed the anti-war resolutionfrom the faculty.“We faculty and librarians atthe University of Massachusettsoppose the U.S. government’sproposed war against Iraq as unnecessary and unjustified,” theresolution began. Ferguson citedthe recent passage of similar antiwar resolutions by faculty atMount Holyoke and Hampshirecolleges as further reasons forUniversity faculty to take politicalaction.“I am really impatient with theambiguity of the phrase ‘weaponsof mass destruction’ and with themedia saying that U.S. soldierswill be protected and we will sustain little collateral damage,” saidassociate professor of Communication Lisa Henderson. “Weknow from the Gulf War that therewill be extensive damage and thatU.S. soldiers will not be protected. There were massive injuries to soldiers from exposure tochemical weapons and uraniumthat were not tabulated.”“Despite what the media say,protesting does have an effect onour leaders,” said Sociology professor Dan Clawson. “Furthermore, this war will cost the taxpayers of Massachusetts approxiThe Undergraduate Studentthe Romney plan found bothmately 4.5 billion, which is equalSenate of the Student Government negative and positive aspects into our current state deficit. So weAssociation this week gave cauthe proposal to separate thehave no money for education, buttious approval to Gov. MittAmherst campus from the UMass 4.5 billion to spend on this war.”Romney’s plan to preserve thesystem. The report endorsed theHe added that France’s threatflagship status of the Amherstconcept as long as the campus is ened veto in the United Nationscampus.level-funded and allowed to raise Security Council and Turkey’s reThe resolution, which exnew revenues.fusal to admit U.S. troops are furHowever, the resolution sayspresses confidence in Romneyther evidence of international optuition or fee increases will limiteducation advisor Peter Nessen,position to the war.affordability and access.passed by a vote of 31-10.After a unanimous vote to“In the end, we felt the proAn ad hoc SGA committee onsend out the anti-war resolution,posal by the governor could ben- attendants discussed the possiefit this campus without increasbility of e-mailing the resolutioning in-state tuition by an unreato absent faculty through thesonable amount,” said JaredMassachusetts Society of Profesplan to transfer 180 million inthis week blasted the RomneyNokes, who co-chaired the ad hoc sors in order to gain additionalsurplus state land to the pension committee.proposal, saying it will detersupport.fund in lieu of a cash contribupeople interested in public service careers. In response, the ad- tion.Testifying before the Houseministration said the change willLocal field hockey fans haveable to bring a national championencourage private sector workers and Senate Ways and Meansship to Amherst and to the Northcommittees on March 7, Secretary something to cheer about as theto enter public service withoutNCAA last week selected theeast where there is widespread incommitting to long-term employ- of Administration and Financeterest in field hockey at both theEric Kriss conceded that the spe- campus to host the Division Iment to qualify for pension benFinal Four next November.high school and collegiate level,”cifics of the land transfer haveefits.The championship tourney will said Elaine Sortino, associate athOnly four states have adopted not been worked out or even disletic director and senior women’scussed with pension fund manag- be played Nov. 21-23 at Garbersimilar plans and none haveField.administrator. “We’re looking forimplemented those changes since ers.It will be the first time the Uni- ward to embracing this championAt the hearing, lawmakersthe stock market declined twoversity has hosted the champion- ship and hope that many peoplequestioned whether the pensionyears ago.ship.will come to support it.”fund could receive market valueMeanwhile, the Romney ad“We’re really pleased to befor sold surplus property.ministration is also pitching aSGA backs Romney planRetirement changes opposed by unionsPENSIONFROM PAGE 1While many private employerscontribute to 401(k) plans, Romney administration officials said ithas not yet been determinedwhether the state would matchemployee contributions.Although administration officials have indicated that the newsystem would be grandfathered infor new state workers, the plan isalready under attack by public employee unions. The proposal isalso expected to meet stiff opposition from legislators.Teachers and union officialsCampus to host field hockey Final 4

4March 14, 2003Two share Carolyn Harper FellowshipTwo graduate students in ResourceEconomics — Ning Ding and MariaAlejandra Vélez — are sharing thisyear’s Carolyn Harper Fellowship, according to department chair GeoffAllen.This year marks the 10th anniversary of the fellowship established inmemory of Carolyn Harper, an associate professor of Resource Economics,who died of cancer in 1983. Accordingto Allen, Harper was a brilliant teacherand an award-winning scholar whopublished widely on the economics ofpesticide regulation, groundwater protection and worker safety. Her workbalanced a desire for activism on behalfof environmental protection, racial andgender justice, with rigorous intellectual work. The fellowship is awarded toStan Sherer photograduate students who exemplify herThis year’s Carolyn Harper Fellows in Resource Economics, Mariaideals.Alejandra Vélez (left) and Ning Ding are congratulated by David NussDing was born and educated inbaum, who helped create the award honoring his late spouse.Yunnan province, People’s Republic ofChina. She notes that the province has the greatestAs part of her job she advised traditional communities andbiodiversity and largest number of ethnic minorities in allprivate companies on the sustainable production of agriof China. After graduating from Yunnan University, shecultural crops, ecotourism, and similar environmentallyworked on two international technical assistance projects sensitive activities.aimed at simultaneously reducing poverty and managingNow in her second year of graduate study, she plans inthe environment. She hopes to return to Yunnan province her Ph.D. research to look at ways to encourage membersto continue this work.of rural communities to adopt environmentally sound manCurrently she is in the second year of her master’s pro- agement practices. On completion, she intends to return togram and working on her thesis titled “The Curse of Natu- Colombia, where she hopes to find a job that will let herral Resources: A Re-examination.”teach and have an influence on government policy.Vélez grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, where she studiedThe awards were presented March 7 by Cleve Willis,economics at the University of the Andes. After graduat- dean of the College of Natural Resources and the Environing in 1999 she worked for the National Federation of Cof- ment, who with David Nussbaum, Harper’s husband, wasfee Growers on a survey of organic coffee production, fol- instrumental in setting up the fellowship fund. After thelowed by a stint in the Biotrade Program at the Alexanderpresentations, Nussbaum recalled his wife’s ideals andvon Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute.noted how well the two fellowship recipients upheld them.Angelou tops ‘Women of Color Week’ guestsSeveral well-known artists, writers and activists, including Maya Angelou and Betita Martinez, will visit campusMarch 24-30 as part of “A History We Call Our Own:Women of Color Week,” an event celebrating Women’sHistory Month.A first-of-its-kind event on campus, the week will highlight the contributions and transformative visions ofwomen of color.On Tuesday, March 25, Chicana activist, author andeducator Elizabeth (Betita) Martinez will speak on “Whereis the Color in the Anti-War Movement?” at 7:30 p.m. in174-176 Lincoln Campus Center. Martinez also will discussprospects for building a multiracial movement for peaceand justice. During the 1960s, Martinez served full-timewith the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee(SNCC) in the South and as its New York office coordinator. In 1968, she joined the Chicano movement in NewMexico, where she edited the movement newspaper, ElGrito del Norte. In 1997, she co-founded the Institute forMultiRacial Justice in San Francisco, which she currentlydirects. She is also aneditor of the national bilingual newspaper, WarTimes.“Refugees of aWorld on Fire: Feministof Color Legacies,” anevening of poetry, artand politics will be presented Wednesday,March 26 at 7:30 p.m. inthe MassachusettsRoom of the MullinsCenter. FeaturingMaya AngelouM. Jacqui Alexander,Mirtha Quintanales, Mirangela Buggs, Karina Cespedes,Nova Gutierrez, Evelyn Harris, assistant professor of English Sunaina Maira, Rickke Mananzala, New WORLDTheater’s Project 2050 and Holly Richardson, the programwill commemorate the literary, artistic, intellectual, and activist work of women of color –– black, indigenous, Asian,Latina, and Middle Eastern –– who have offered bold, creative, and transformative models for thinking, creating,and mobilizing for social change.The event will celebrate the recent publication of “thisbridge we call home: radical visions for transformation,”published nearly 20 years after the ground-breaking anthology “This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by RadicalWomen of Color.”“An Evening With Maya Angelou” will be presentedThursday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts CenterConcert Hall. Hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, Angelou is a poet, educator, historian,author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producerand director. She has authored 12 best-selling books, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and the current “A Song Flung Up to Heaven.” In 1981, Angelou wasappointed to a lifetime position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.The event is free to Five College students, staff and faculty with ID and 5 for the general public. Tickets areavailable at FAC Box Office (5-2511).“A Talk by Sister Souljah” will be presented on Friday,March 28 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. A hiphop artist and community activist, Sister Souljah’s musicalaccomplishments include her debut album “360 Degrees ofPower” and her work with Public Enemy. She also is theauthor of the nonfiction book “No Disrespect” and thenovel “The Coldest Winter Ever.” Souljah has been a political commentator on New York City radio station KISSFM and made her acting debut in the sitcom “A DifferentWorld.” She is currently executive director of Daddy’sHouse Social Programs, Inc., a not-for-profit corporationfor urban youth, financed by Sean “Puffy” Combs andBad Boy Entertainment. Daddy’s House educates and prepares youth, ages 10-16, to be in control of their academic,cultural and financial lives. The program is free and opento the public.The week concludes March 29-30 with a Women ofColor Conference. Workshop topics include “Color Complex,” “Life After College,” “Portrayal of Women in theMedia,” “Women’s Health Issues” and “What is Sisterhood?” Brunch and dinner will be provided. Performanceswith dance, poetry, and singing also will be featured

No Chronicle during spring break week Due to spring break, The Campus Chronicle will not be published next week. Weekly publication will resume with the March 28 issue. The deadline to submit material for the next issue is Friday, March 21. Delegation from Hokkaido to visit Four officia