Meredith College - Oak Leaves Yearbook (Raleigh, NC)

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Tradition has always played a major role at Meredith. The fine old buildings, student events, and long established policies are backed by the principles on which the college was formed. This tradition atmosphere forms a bond among the students, faculty, and administration of Mere- dith. This bond is carried away by each girl who leaves Meredith and has, therefore, created a cherished and respected image for both the col- lege and its members. Each new class has brought new ideas, a desire for new policies, and new problems to be reck- oned with. In the words of our distinguished president, As I think about new people coming in I think about the fresh ideas they will bring. I remember that there is always someone who sees a way to do things differently and by virtue of that, breeds improvement. In an academic set- ting, change even in the faculty is supposed to be one of the most strengthening aspects of the col- lege. Where there is no new face there may be fewer new ideas. This is also true in administra- tion and in management. And we can be benefited by seeing change in this light. Tradi- tion has established its place in Meredith life, but the new must find a foothold. Expansion of the college campus will not be enough if the students do not have a chance to be heard and have their opinions respected. The administration of Meredith has realized this fact and has made the student body feel impor- tant; feel that their opinions will be heard, consid- ered, and acted upon in the best light for all con- cerned. President Heilman has said, Based upon self-study, students will be even more involved in college decision-making and the responsibility for implementing those decisions. If students help plan the future then they must help educate themselves to the results of what has been planned. Dr. Heilman is always eager and will- ing to hear suggestions. He is dedicated to Mere- dith college and the students. His aim has been to have all plans and policies worked out to the advantage of all. His cooperation and leadership can be seen in the campus growth and student policy revisions. He has always backed the stu- dent, but has revealed keen insight with his valu- able advice. We of the student body are grateful. The Trustees of Meredith are too frequently for- gotten by the average student. It should be pointed out here that without their guidance, concern, understanding, and willingness much of what we know as Meredith today would not have been possible. Cooperation is the most importan f element on a campus. Reckoning with new procedures and going along with student leaders should present no problem when it is realized that the new procedure is for the good of the majority. Coop- eration must exist among the students and ad- ministration and faculty, among the students, and between administration and faculty mem- bers. Meredith cannot and will not function without this cooperation. President Heilman agrees: I believe that a spirit of community, openness, and cooperation should be the hall- mark of Meredith. Serious, dedicated, informed, and sincere students can make many contribu- tions to the total community. I believe that you want to be involved in the college — its objec- tives, its achievements, its failures, its trials, and its efforts. I believe that Meredith can come nearer to its lofty ideals in a climate of total par- ticipation. Let ' s get away from tradition and talk about the needs and problems of today. Students at Mere- dith need a more open-minded, younger thinking faculty. The students of Meredith are blessed with a faculty who is devoted to the higher edu- cation of its students. The college has won its high academic standing in the area because of our dedicated and conscientious faculty mem- bers. But should student interest stop here? Should the student be viewed as just that, a stu- dent, without much consideration that this young lady is a human being with needs, p roblems, and decisions to make above and beyond those in the academic arena. Personal help and guidance are needed; possibly even intervention and aid in a confrontation between a student and her parents. Personal contact and the time to become ac- quainted with a student is necessary for this type relationship. Who would say time spent in this way is wasted? Surely not the faculty, for they have repeatedly shown an interest in student affairs. Certainly not the student who is desper- ately seeking someone to talk to. If students felt this genuine concern, many problems could pos- sibly be avoided all together. This is a goal the faculty of Meredith should strive for. By making themselves aware of what a young girl faces in a changing world, the faculty could make great strides in eliminating difficulties. This is not to say that the problems or decisions which face a Meredith lady are any greater or more severe than those of twenty years ago, but it is to say that we cannot overlook them or ignore them any longer. Students should be met with open hands and receptive minds. The administration