University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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The Srnnlr: Thntiui . president; Konlham, vlcr-|imklrnl; Goff, secretary; Krrdy k. treasurer; senior iron torn, lllccl, ShllUnjtton, Worth-itiKtoii: Junior senator , Olson, Ocspovlch, Lovett; sophomore senator . A hr. Ilolliitiun, Sul In; freshman senators, Turner. Putnam, Tucker; U« School, Parkinson. Feller. Crutchfield: Music School, VainlcnburR, Teeter. linuniKiirtrn. play an intelligent part is in the colleges and universities. The students at this University should be much more actively engaged in the affairs of government. They have a splendid opportunity here and this is shown, in part, by the fact that all senate sessions are open to everyone. Students are welcome to any of the senate meetings and it would gladden their hearts to hear the debates of the senators either for or against a measure. The remarkable turn out of the student body at the annual elections held recently, is a healthy sign. Seven hundred and fifteen votes were cast in the first election with twenty-three candidates seeking office: and in the run off election for President and Treasurer, six hundred and forty votes were cast. Over two-thirds of the student body participated in the elections. This sets an all time high in student |x litics at the University and gives evidence that students here appreciate self-government. The revised constitution was approver! 522 to 67. Again there is evidence that the Student body wanted a Stable constitution to meet the ever growing demands of organizations and activities. Since the government of the student association is patterned after that of the national government there are. in addition to the executive department, the legislative and judicial department. The legislative department is the Senate, composed of three senators from the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes, representing the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Music, and the School of business Administration: and three senators representing the School of Law. All are elected from ami by the members of each class. The chief jobs of the Senate is the allotment of the student activity fee. Six associate justices, elected from the school at large: a chief justice and prosecuting attorney, elected from the School of Law; and a clerk, appointed by the chief justice, are memlxrs of the Honor Court; they carry out the judicial duties. The duties of the Honor Court are divided into two phases. The penal jurisdiction of the court includes the hearing and determining of all cases arising out of breach of the Honor ('ode and violation of laws made by the Senate. The civil jurisdiction is to pass on the constitutionality of any law of the Student Body or Senate. An interest in a knowledge of student government affairs intensities one's enjoyment of school. It brings the students closer together and causes them to work for the benefit of all students. A student should know the powers and duties of the various departments of the student government, for knowing what is right will create a desire for a strong and efficient government. By taking advantage of our democratic system of government the students can secure training and experience in self-government. Trusting to the indulgence of those for whose benefit the new constitution is intended, and to the candor of critics who. while they find it easy to detect faults can at the same time appreciate difficulties, I conclude with a sincere statement 1 hope coming students will listen to: as long as student government is conducted without financial remuneration, and as long as the officers of the student government solve their problems, and carry out their policies fairly, justly, and do not over-step their authority. the students of the University of Miami in the future shall continue to enjoy the privilege of an unoppressed and unshackled government. Prosccutlnit Attorney Spar [12]

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We, the Students . . . should be active citizens in the government of our University. by HAROLD JOSEPH THOMAS We, the students of the University of Miami, enjoy the privilege of self-government in its truest democratic form. Perhaps in no other college in America today, can there l e found a student body which governs itself and solves its own problems with the complete freedom from faculty domination that we enjoy here. Democratic government, to be efficient and to fulfill its purposed objectives, must be rendered the guidance of intelligent and open-minded persons whether in a college or national state. Only when the most gifted individuals in the University are selected for the Student Association offices can the student body direct, improve, and enjoy the activities of college life and become more enlightened in regard to the responsibilities they must assume in their respective communities a few years in the future. From time to time, as civilization becomes more highly developed and the duties of government grow more complex, it is necessary to revise the outline on which government is based. As the student body of the University has increased so have the demands on student government enlarged. To meet the new problems arising, the student constitution was subjected to a very thorough revision this year. One of the most obvious defects in the constitution, previous to the revision, was the manner in which a student could become a member of the executive de- Tlir Honor C nirt: Dorn. Iluinlltoii. Chief Juillcr Itrlon. Goe er, Miller. Maillxaii part men t of the Student Association. Heretofore anyone, in five minutes, could circulate a petition, secure the thirty-five required names, and project himself into a race for a high and responsible office. The revised constitution some-what parallels the mode of elections carried on in local, state, and national governments in that the following provisions were made: the student must have attended the University for three semesters prior to the election; ten percent of the signatures of the regularly enrolled students must be affixed to his petition, and in any case where there is a duplication of signatures on two or more petitions for the same office, the signature will be stricken from all petitions involved. This, the revision committee felt, would create more interest on the part of the students themselves. as well as for the candidates, and give them the feeling that they don’t have to sign all the petitions just to l e a jolly-good fellow. To have the political spoils system grip on whatever lies within its grasp is practically a foregone conclusion: to realize that the system does much to lower the efficiency of an organization is almost as readily recognized: but to take politics out is a serious question. The revision committee, after much debate and consideration, finally settled the publications controversy. and removed politics from its make-up. The entire student body will l c benefit ted by this action and those who work on the publications will no longer be bothered by meddling political group. It is common knowledge that all people are prone to neglect many of their important functions and entirely disregard their very pertinent privileges. Only through a practical as well as theoretical participation in affairs may people justify themselves. In the forms of democratic government this is especially true, and an excellent place for young people to learn how to [11] TtUimuo. I’r - l li'iit of the Stuilrnt AsvHrlnlluii

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A University for Miami . . . dedicates its energy and talents to the City. In years to come it will stand as a cultural center of a cultured Miami. by IIEDWIG RINGS LOOM At its beginning the University of Miami was a flickering light in darkness. It grew into a flame, stronger and brighter. Now, slowly it is l ecoming a radiant light burning steadily. The University lias been the agent of enlightenment to Miami, a benighted city. Miami grew so rapidly there was no time for culture. For years it was a barren city; culture was not an essential element in its life. There was no culture and there was no demand for culture. The University of Miami also grew rapidly, but with its growth there was a constant increase of cultural elements. The beginning was an almost futile struggle, a battle against insurmountable odds, but the educational pioneers broke down the barriers and laid the foundation for the University. Always culture was put to the fore. Miami began to lose its cultural desolation as local students imperceptibly began to weave a web of cultural awareness about the citizens. Interest developed slowly, for few were concerned with the University's problems. With the development of the orchestra and the establishment of the Winter Institute of Literature, citizens became actively interested. They l egan to turn to the University for cultural guidance. Faith, foresight, courage, and energy lias been necessary to do this. Alertness and perserverance has turned adversities into methods of achieving success and recognition. The University can now point to some of its departments as leaders in many fields of arts and sciences. The Winter Institute of Literature, which provided the opportunity for the public to have personal contact with outstanding literary people, is now an accepted cultural element. The band and orchestra have been lifted out of the category of average college music groups and are now capable of accompanying world renowned musicians. These were the main forces that caused the public to become culture conscious. Hut the University could not afford to stop there. Arousing interest was only a preliminary task. The University had created the desire for culture: it must now supply the culture. Two steps forward were made this year in the cultural program. The Winter Institute of Hispanic American Studies ami the Hayfront Park lecture series added to the University's plan for spreading culture. The best American authorities on Latin America lectured in the Institute of Hispanic American Studies. They were men from the greatest schools in the United States, who have done outstanding work in this field. Their lectures have been made available in printed form. This was a definite step in culture, for Pan-Americanism, long one of the University’s ideals, is a type of culture peculiar to this section of the country. The innovation of the Hayfront Park lecture series will stand as a landmark in the fight for culture. It marks the beginning of the University's progressive program for bringing culture to Miamians. Professors lectured on topics that ranged from “Some Characteristics of the Modern Age” to “Accessory Food Facts.” The University was In-ginning to give culture. Miami will never become a cultural center until culture is given to her citizens. People do not seek the University for culture; the University must go to them. Culture should not be for the privileged few. it should lx- for all who want it. A price tag should not be attached. We. of the University, cannot keep to ourselves. We must give our energy, our efforts, our talents and ourselves to the light for culture. University Players could perform for large community gatherings as well as for only a few chosen spectators. Take the plays out of our own auditorium and stage them in a large high school auditorium. Let the performances be open to the public. We might attempt community recreational programs with University students in charge. Through sports activities an interest in finer things can be created. Musical programs and symphony concerts would open a wide gateway to culture if the doors were open to the average music lovers. Other plans can lie worked out. We can pause at present and look back at our accomplishments in the field of culture. Much has been attained. Hut a backward glance is good only to give reassurance and to strengthen the spirit. The University must look forward to the gargantuan task that is still undone. In the years to come the University of Miami must stand as the cultural center of a cultured Miami. [13]