Southeast Missouri State University - Sagamore Yearbook (Cape Girardeau, MO)

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,',,W,, , ,, u,..i.1:v'n, llrllll irwlf if ill'5llf'Wr, llflalZ iTF,Uu'i.,f i'1fIif'sl' ilfv-N-,il , ,X ri , X wr, , ll'-ii r ,.,. 'll' inlay, ,iii fig ' -I! Southwestern Bell operator Evelyn Schoenbech instructs campus operator Paula Stupp about the newly installed switchboard system. These servicemen make last-minute checks on the direct inward dialing system CDIDJ. By pushing and releasing a button, switchboard operator Mary South connects off-campus calls, a procedure made simpler because of the new phone system. Telephones 25

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l'm SGH' ...334-8211 is not a working number SEMSU became a mini-community in one more way when Southwestern Bell Telephone Company gave the university its very own prefix. The 651 number was added to the existing two Cape Girardeau prefixes of 334 and 335. This expanded and modernized system went into effect july 18. Even 'though the system had hangups, off-campus calls no longer had to wait 110 rings for an operator to answer. With the new hookups, an off-campus caller could dial directly into an administrative or faculty office. However, when trying to reach a student number, the caller had to go through the university switchboard initially. Dr. A. R. Meyer, vice-president for administrative services, said that this would prevent students from making long distance calls. The central switchboard was moved to Memorial Hall from its 15-year residence in Dearmont Quadrangle. 651-2000 replaced the 334-8211 university number of years past. The new switchboards, were entirely push button with no more cords and plugs for the operators to tangle with. There were two consoles operating around the clock with about 25 operators employed to man them. Besides answering cheerfully, State University, the operators gave out thousands of numbers to inquiring callers. Administrators liked the new phone system because it allowed them to do several helpful procedures. One of these was being able to have three-party calls if one was from an off-campus line. The other was the ability to transfer a call. This was done when someone dialed incorrectly. Whoever answered could then transfer the call to the right department by simply pushing the button and dialing the proper extension. The direct inward dialing system QDIDJ meant that each department became accountable for its calls and was sent a monthly bill. Before, the university absorbed a total monthly charge of around E'b10,000, according to Comptroller Marty Roth. With the new billing method, unauthorized calls could be detected easily. For example, the Sagamore Office learned that three calls to the White House had been charged to its number but had never been placed by any Sagamore personnel. Another added attraction of the system was that an automatic device insured that someone would answer-after three unanswered rings a call would be switched to the main operator. Many students disliked the task of relearning the extensions. One senior commented, It took While the new campus phone system is being installed, operators jackie Toll and Amy Heisel take calls on the old switchboard located in Dearmont Quadrangle. Southwestern Bell offers a variety of colors and styles to its consumers. These trimline models have as their home the basement of Memorial Hall. 24 Telephones by Sally I. Davis me three years to learn the three- number ones, and now someone adds another number. Most freshmen did not realize that the phones were different, though. Most upperclassmen discovered the change when they tried to get an outside line by dialing 8 to no avail. With the new prefix, each student had to dial 6 while administrators still dialed 9. The new system did not improve the phone situation in the dorms as far as busy lines were concerned. Many an irate parent called long-distance only tc find that his son or daughter's extensior was busy for 30 minutes or more. Thi was due to the operator's inability to cu in or monitor the phone conversationl any longer. A big load was taken off the shoulders of the operators when the student directories were distributed Those who possessed these stores o information could easily thumb throug to obtain their friends' numbers ani even home addresses. . s 2.11 J 1 ., ','Vl-F .v .1--3 . . , 3 Wifi-il 1 5 2'- - V i . 1.17 A xii ft 3' T1 ill

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Homecoming 1977 Life on th Mississippi For the week of October 24-29, homework, classes and other normal college activities were temporarily pushed aside, life on campus was transformed into Life on the Mississippi as SEMSU celebrated its 1977 Homecoming. The activities planned by the Homecoming Steering Committee for the week began Monday night with the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers being shown free in the University Center. On Tuesday night students had the opportunity to hear a bluegrass concert in the U.C. Ballroom given by two Ken- tucky bands, Splitwater Creek and the New Grass Revival. The Amazing Mendoza, well known psychic, enter- tained students Wednesday night in Academic auditorium with his ESP talents and slight-of-hand tricks. Thursday night the action moved to the Arena Building where the traditional Homecoming Dance and Coronation was held. Progress, a band from the St. Louis area, provided music for the capacity crowd of students ready to dance the night away. A spirit-rousing bonfire and old-fashioned snake dance 26 H mecomhg were Friday night's activities. Members of the Homecoming Steering Committee, along with the cheerleaders, marched to each of the housing units on campus picking up people, forming a human chain as they went. The spirited procession continued across campustoawaiting bonfireand sound system at the North Sprigg parking lot. The most spectacular celebration of the week came early Saturday morning as the annual Homecoming Parade slowly made its way down the people-lined Broadway and Main streets. lake Wells, professor of art at SEMSU and well known artist, served as this year's Parade Marshal. His exhibit of 27 watercolors of Missouri Mills opened the previous night in the University Museum. Other parade dig- nitaries were State Auditor Thomas Keys, Monica Huber and Susan Wilson, 1976 and 1977 Missouri State Fair Queens, respectively. Following the win over Kirksville, a victory dance was held in the U.C. Ballroom Saturday night, bringing the Homecoming week activities to a close. Working on the Dearmont and Myer's float are Stan Presson and Craig Harp. The Amazing Mendoza prepares to saw his assistant in half.