Ohio University - Athena Yearbook (Athens, OH)

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and the very old. Although he has only been at the helm of O.U. for a few months, Ping has developed an impressive list of long-range goals for his administration. First, he says, As a public- institution, we must provide access to an education and deal with the mass we must serve. While dealing with the mass, we must be responsible to the individual and deal with quality. Considering charges that academic standards are low, he demonstrated his characteristic systematic- approach to problems. To evaluate academic standards, he stressed examining the evidence. We must get at specific causal factors that contribute to W hat would seem to be inflationary standards. For example, some critics point to the high grade point of a university or of a certain class at the school. Ping stressed that one must notice evidence that might inflate- the grade point, such as the use and abuse of a Credit No Credit system, or the ABC grading system, which guarantees all freshman a 2.00 minimum grade point. Other aspects which should lie used to evaluate academic- standards, according to Ping, are LEFT: A contemplative Pimj. BELOW: Various parts group together in a university president. One of these is the role of an administrator, illustrated here In the main elements of President Ping ' s desk. BOTTOM: Ping confers with hisson. Andy, at a Baker (enter luncheon. BlUWuh

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RIGHT: Framed by a chair at his desk, Ping works at the other end of his office. Students tend to be in awe of the President ' s office. The closest many students get to Cutler Hall is walking through the blinding floodlights on the way to the library. President Charles J. Ping welcomes you into a beautiful office. A large table is at one end of the room. The side where we sit has two couches, a chair and a coffee table. President Ping ' s philosophical training as well as his administrative experience as Central Michigan University ' s provost are evident as he analyzes his role at O.U. and O.U. ' s role in the future. He entered the presidential position because of the University ' s problems and promise. O.U. has problems, such as the enrollment decline and the fiscal crisis, which are not unique, but, We got through them ahead of everyone else. He feels the University is strong in its response to changing career interests and the development of professional schools. The kev to our university is the unusually strong faculty, a diversity of students, and a distinctive community. The campus is a striking mixture of the very new ff Problems a promise By Ginger Hall

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fellowships, the employability of graduates, and uclmi i other universities ' graduate schools. Ping listens tostudents, nol because they ' re students, but because they have something to say. Student activism is not as strong as it ought to be, Pingsays, in terms of consistent involvement in careful, analytical review. Students given the right to participate in the slow, dreary business of busy work tend to lose interest. He would rather see a more thorough, and systematic approach. Ping visits dorms to hear what is on students minds, and he is influenced by students on University Council and in student government Preskfent Ping is an athletic president, spending several hours a week working out on the equipment in the athletic department. He feels co-curricular activities such as drama, music, publications, and athletics, are important to the education of the students. He justifies a strong sports program because spoils contribute to the development of drive and responsibility in both players and spectators. The University is made up of various subcommunities. All aspects of University life contribute to the whole community. The party school image seems a part of O.U. ' s community. But Ping feels that reputation lags behind the present. I see so many students at the library on a Sunday afternoon. Students make excellent use of hills, parks and the regions surrounding Athens. The partying that goes on seems exaggerated because we have a high degree of visibility. The University ' s immediate future illustrates the way it accepts the challenges of this age. The overabundance of dormitories is being used as a positive force to help bring organizations on campus where students can gain practical experience working with people. The president is busy. His inauguration attracts many officials and alumni. But he is 0|)en to and has time for students ' thoughts because students are the ultimate promise of Ohio University. ABOVE: President Ping takes a break from work in his office. LEFT: Ping leaves his office in Cutler Hall with an associate at the end of a grey » inter day. Carole Levinfcston