Furman University - Bonhomie Yearbook (Greenville, SC)

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BONHOMIE: What are the advantages and disadvantages of ratting at Furman? LINDA McNEILL (Freshman): The purpose of ratting, as I understand it, is to provide some basis or gimmick by which freshmen can become acquainted with upperclassmen and become accepted into the open arms of the Furman Family image. Granted, the need of an incoming student to have some informal way of establishing the proverbial Identity to which he is entitled is one that should not be overlooked among the chaos attendant to a campus orientation of computer cards and registration lines. However. I feel the program should serve some constructive purpose other than to provide emotional outlet for frustrated sophomores. Furman being the type of school it is, ratting can fill a definite social need; on the other hand, beanies and smile boxes can often become a source of intimidation or annoyance by which those involved lose sight of their actual worth as mere social traditions. As was finally achieved to some degree this year, ratting can be made effective — but only when explained and used to further the ultimate aim, good-natured social interaction. After all, freshmen need all the breaks they can get... 22 Student Opinion BONHOMIE: What are the advantages and disadvantages of ratting at Furman? WIN SMITH (Freshman): Ratting is a policy employed to bring the freshman class together socially through proper adjustment to college life; and, to a lesser extent, to instill in the freshmen a respect for authority. The theory behind ratting is very noble; but in practice, the nobility appears to have been unsinued. The first goal of ratting, creating good social relationships among the freshmen, can be obtained and later proves to be invaluable. The use of nametags and beanies are good methods of give-ing the freshmen a sense of identity and companionship. Activities such as field day and the community bath are valuable opportunities for the freshmen to make new friends. On the other hand, not all activities of ratting are beneficial to a student’s adjustment to college life. The other, less colorful side of ratting, that of teaching freshmen to respect those deserving it (in this case upperclassmen and the administration), tends to waste energy that could be purposefully directed elsewhere. Respect is a quality which takes time to earn; it cannot simply be assigned to a person or a group because of their age or status in society. Upperclassmen may be amused at the ease of ordering freshmen to do pointless rituals, but the freshman's response is not generated by respect, but by fear of punishment by the rat court. There are two ways in which to effectively unite a group of people. One is through oppression by a common enemy, the other through working toward a common goal. Unfortunately, this year’s freshmen feel that the policy used to unite them was one of oppression by a common enemy — upperclassmen. In the future, the policy of ratting might be made more effective and possibly more enjoyable if the freshmen were directed toward a common goal. )) BONHOMIE: How has the travel abroad program affected your education? CAROL WINFREY (Senior): The fall term in England was a learning experience in itself and complemented by three years of classroom experience at Furman. Since the program was rather flexible, it gave each student an opportunity to develop his own individuality. We were allowed a great deal of independence and were challenged to explore our own particular interests, which ranged from British educational systems to dramatic and musical productions to ancient historical ruins. Living in England for three months exposed us to new political systems, customs. mores, and. especially, attitudes. By comparing this life style to our own, we were able to view our country and customs from a completely different perspective. The travel abroad program now presents a challenge to me for the future, for I am convinced that the educational process cannot be confined to the university as such but must be continued through an integration of academic, cultural and social pursuits.

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BONHOMIE: What is the role of drama in the Furman community? ELLYN SMITH (Junior): With the efforts of Dr. Hill in the creation and enlargement of the drama department, the inclusion of drama as a fine arts requirement, and the acquisition of Theatre 70 Playhouse, come increasing interest and participation in the theatre. Now we are faced with the problem of how to close the widening gap between the fine arts created by the separation of music, drama, art. and science into four buildings. Very seldom do we see the ‘ synthesis of talent and ability of art. music, science. and drama majors. They need each other if not for experimentation. then for liberal education and recreation. In my opinion, the students owe it to themselves to stimulate creativity and interaction within their environment. BONHOMIE: As a four-year member of the Furman football team, how do you feel about the program and its chances for improvement? PAT WIGGINS (Senior): Obviously the program has been inadequate. Look at the record. But now the administration and the coaches, armed with newly acquired money and athletic talent, hope to save Furman’s floundering football program. An adequate football program. however, entails more than the mere acquisition of good ball players. It must also provide for their development, both as individuals and as a team. In other words. Furman must make good high school players into good college players. But how can Furman do this when it is not prepared to provide these athletes with even the bare necessities for development. such as an adequate diet and weight training equipment? To handicap those upon whom we place demands is folly. Furman can no longer afford to ignore the needs of its athletes. By doing so in the past. Fut'man has succeeded only in hurting itself and its athletes. Perhaps these new athletes will fulfill their potential and justify Furman's investment in them, but if conditions remain the same, they will do so in spite of the program, not because of it. BONHOMIE: Are married students isolated from Furman activities? ANITA HART (Senior): Furman's activities for married students are largely what the student himself makes them. All of Furman’s regular activities are open to the married student. It seems, however, that unless the student was inT volved in organizations such as clubs, sports, and fraternities or attended events such as ball games. Film Arts. Fine Arts, and Fall Weekend before he was married, he is unlikely to be involved as a married student. Student Opinion '21

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 BONHOMIE: There seems to be a trend among schools of higher education toward the relegation of in loco parentis powers. Who should assume these powers? MIKE RAY (Sophomore): As university students, we have graduated from the kinder gallon; thus, we should recognize that self-discipline is necessary to further our education. (If one does not acknowledge this necessity, should he even be in college?) This discipline becomes a part of our education, for each of us must exercise self-discipline in meeting the particular demands upon us. To give in loco parentis power to a student organization still does not meet the needs of our education sufficiently, because it shifts the obligation for discipline to a select body politic. All decisions become compromises between appeasement of the administration and the best interests of the whole student body. We must strive for a sophistication in our actions which is consistent with our quest for education, and leave the In loco parentis authority to the kindergarten. BONHOMIE: Do you feel isolated from the outside world at Furman? ANA BATISTA (Sophomore): There is a definite factor of isolation which exists on the Furman campus which may or may not be prevalent on other campuses. Through organizations, speakers, discussions, and other such activities the students get a sampling of what is really going on besides assignments, tests, and term papers: but true communication and familiarity the outside world is not easily felt or obtained. We may be extremely critical of this isolation factor, but perhaps this is the way it should be — only to take part of the Furman society temporarily. BONHOMIE: Does Furman University's Senate have the jurisdiction to express its opinion on matters outside the political realm of the university? MIKE MEDCALF (Junior): The Student Senate does have the right to voice its opinion on issues beyond the political realm of the university if they are issues which concern students as citizens. Part of any educational process is exposure to affairs and issues beyond one's immediate surroundings. Students formulate opinions on such affairs and issues. Certainly an opinion expressed by the Senate reflects the personal views of the Senate However, as a represent-, ative body on Furman’s campus the Senate does have the right to express its opinion on affairs of national interest. Student Opinion 23