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Smoking ban on campus
Dear Editor,
I read your editorial on Nov. 12 ("Ban Resolution is all Smoke and Mirrors") and thought that I may be able to offer a different insight.
I teach sociology not only at UP, but at Portland Community College as well.
The Beacon has previously mentioned that PCC went "smoke free" on Sept. 9 of this year. I have seen the effects of the smoking ban at PCC.
The ban is not working.
Sure, I don't see people out in the open smoking away, but that doesn't mean that people aren't smoking.
Smoking has been pushed underground in potentially dangerous ways.
I teach at PCC Rock Creek. Students, faculty and staff are sneaking off in droves to go to the woods on our campus to light up and satisfy their addiction.
How is that helping anyone?
The obvious groups that meet in public places and smoke seem at first glance to be gone, but they have gone elsewhere to do their thing.
What clandestine corners of our University will become the smoking hot spots?
What will our neighbors across Willamette Boulevard think of us?
I believe that the editorial board is right: we have better things to do and better uses of our energy than trying to put a "look-at-me" feather in our cap which does nothing except alienate people who suffer from an addiction and push them to smoke in more risky locations.
Out of sight does not mean safe or problem solved.
Jeremy Tanzer
Professor of Sociology
UP needs more school spirit
Dear Editor,
As a young alumni I was surprised to see the student stands nearly empty on Friday and Sunday at the NCAA championship games.
I recognize that weather, cost, over-commitment, possible lack of marketing and the UP bubble have sucked the life out of the student body so I'm hoping everyone finds an injection of school spirit before Friday night when UP gets to host the third round at Merlo Field.
I'd love to see some extreme expressions of UP Pride this Friday.
I noticed that Act UP had an event last Friday, an event I'm sure was scheduled before the playoffs - and I respect that many of you had conflicts.
But this Friday, lets see Act Up out in costume and Resident Assistants hoarding their residents out of the dorms in droves. Can we see the ASUP leadership leading in the stands?
Do you people in the fancy new dorms have a signature mark yet?
Make yourselves heard, or at least seen!
I know its cold but Christie, I miss your half-naked bodies.
Shipstad: I know your creativity and spirit could represent the entire student body if you put your mind to it - don't let me down.
ROTC: We need your loud loyal fighting spirit. Villa: as much as my old rivalry makes me irk to say it; thank God for your commitment (but bring the whole dorm this time).
I'll see you at Merlo. Much love, and GO PILOTS!
Valerie Silliman
Class of 2008
Fireside chat with President Beauchamp
Dear Editor,
Have you ever wanted to meet the president of the University of Portland?
Or ask him a queston but never thought you would have the opportunity to do so?
Last year, students asked for a chance to have discussions with Father Beauchamp and ASUP passed a resolution to have at least one of these opportunities each semester.
We call this new tradition the "Fireside Chat." This is a great chance for you to ask Father Beauchamp what he does each day as president of the University. You could ask him what projects he is working on or most excited about.
You will also have the opportunity to tell him about your experiences and concerns here at UP.
Grab a friend and join us in the Terrace Room (below the Commons) at 7 p.m. next Tuesday, November 24.
Samantha Riofta
ASUP Secretary
