1985-08-26; Central Michigan Life

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Ellis projects
casual image
in interim role
by RANDY LOVELY
LIFE Managing Editor
Imagery can be deceiving. While Arthur Ellis may
not be the perfect picture of a university executive,
sometimes sporting casual attire rather than a
three-piece suit, he is confident of his abilities as
Central's interim president.
The 15-year administrative veteran of CMU
appears to have every intention of effectively and
efficiently operating a school plagued by controversy
and turmoil the past year.
Ellis is comfortable in his role; he played the part
before. In addition to duties as vice president for
Public Affairs since 1970, he previously served as
interim president. In 1975 he assumed the leadership reigns after William Boyd left the CMU
presidency. Ellis resigned his position after only
four months when Harold Abel was selected.
Now, after Abels retirement July 5, he once again
resides in the president's office. Warriner 112.
Ellis' appearance is nonchalant — sometimes
dressing in a polo shirt, he openly jokes about his
lack of a tie in the office. He not only looks casual,
but his personality reflects confidence and he is
candid about his role as interim president.
"I want the campus, as a whole, to function so well
this year that the (presidential> search committee or
the board will not feel pressured to find a president,"
Ellis said.
Ellis said his job in 1985 is different than it was in
1975.
The presidential selection was nearly complete in
1975 when Ellis stepped into the position, whereas
in 1985 the quest for a leader is just getting
underway.
"I knew what the job was that summer. This time
around I'm president for an undetermined amount
of time," he said.
The term length may be questionable, but his list
of goals is definite.
This campus has been through a lot of pressure
during the pa3t year and the day-to-day operations
hav* not been focused on. W« need to cat. back on
rtra£g" Ellis said.
Ellis   will   continue   to   support   projects   left
Incomplete by Abel, including a fund drive to raise
money for capital  improvement projects such as
construction of new buildings.
The capital fund drive cannot be allowed to sit for
a year, we must continue to push it forward," he
said.
Administrators face several issues during the
coming school year and Ellis is prepared to meet the
challenges
The academic merger between Michigan
Molecular Institute and Central for a polymer
science program has received funding from the
state, but Ellis does not see money as the only
obstacle
ISee -Ellis"—page 2
\**w:^~ ^
Swingin'
CM UrtMmmm tm.
The summer sun at Chlpp-A-Watar Park in Mount Pleasant saemed
to attract many Individuals looking for fun. Trying their hand r . the
swings Ray Seho. 17. of Mount Pleasant, right, and Randy Martinez.
IS. of Alma compete to see who can gat highest.
»'
Party school image may affect academic reputation
by SHERRY YAEK
UFE Editor
"Classes? Heck no, let's get a
six-pack and forget about
homework."
Such are comments that worry
administrators seeking to erase
the "party school* image they fear
might precede CMlTs academic
reputation.
James Hill, vice president for
Student Affairs, said the words
"party" and CMU are used
synonymously by parents und
students throughout the state For
that reason. Hill will work this
semester to determine why such
an image exists and what can be
done to delete it.
Current plans include forming a
committee to devise a survey
about Central's reputation,
although Hill said he has not
developed details about the group
or the questionnaire.
"The party description is
something we could do without,"
Hill said. "We know that people
seem to reflect that we are a party
school."
Interim President Arthur Ellis
.said that while Central may not be
known currently as a party school,
the University is neanng that
point
"It is a concern with everyone
that we not be seen throughout
the state as a party school," Ellis
said, adding such an image could
"For the past year we
have been concerned
about the student
behavior pattern —
about the big party type
of syndrome."
— James Hill,
vice president for
Student Affairs
cause a loss in students and thus a
loss in faculty members.
While those living in the Mount
Pleasant area may know the
school is more than an alcohol
bash. Hill said many people
outside  the  city  are  under  the
impression the only activity here
is partying.
That belief is detrimental to the
University because parents pay
money to secure s~. education, not
a social life, for their children, he
said.
They don't have money to
waste and they want their youngsters to go to a school that has
academic excellence as its theme."
Hill said
Employers tend to frown upon
graduates of a school known for its
alcohol activities. Ellis said.
"You want a school where
instruction is important, not
partying." he said, adding when a
school becomes known for serious
academic pursuit, degrees from
that university increase in value
Ellis said he would like students
to realize the worthiness of strong
academics and work to maintain a
positive image. He added,
however, that such an occurrence
is questionable.
Hill said he has always been
aware of a party image but
contributed it to the 'pleasant
atmosphere" of the area and
assumed it just meant people
enjoy themselves here
"Now people are getting
involved in more parties, in larger
parties 1 think the name is
beginning lo reflect exactly what
is happening," Hill said.
While Hill has yet to devise
specific plans of action, he said a
program combating the image
should be developed early next
year for implementation during
the 19S6-H7 school year.
Concern about alcohol abuse
began last year when the Univer-
tSee -Image"—page 2
Task force leader suggests assertiveness,
less vulnerability as ways to deter assaults
by BETH MENGE
UFE Staff Writer
Limiting vulnerability and learning to be assertive can help women
avoid potential rape situations.
*It makes me angry that it becomes a women's responsibility to
prevent sexual assault." said Peg Hill-Callahan, coordinator of the
Isabella County Sexual Assault Task Force.
Callahan advise* women to avoid walking alone at night and to lock
doors However, those precautions only protect against 30 percent of
rapists, she said.
The remaining 70 percent are acquaintances of the victim. Women
stand a greater chance of being assaulted in their own residence hall
or apartment by someone they know rather than being attacked on
the street, Hill-Callahan said.
She recommends using caution when accepting rides from parties
with newly acquainted men. Make expectations clear and be aware
sexual assault can happen, she said.
Also being assertive can help in both potential stranger and
acquaintance situations she added.
"Assertiveness is real important. A lot of people feel if you act
assertively you might be able to prevent a rape," she said
Community education, beginning with young boys and girls, could
be a long-term rape preventive method, she said
Steve Thompson, assistant professor of physical education, has
designed a three part option system to prevent sexual assault.
There's a thing called the rape sequence that all rapists follow," he
said Once the sequence is learned steps can be taken to stop the
potential rapist at each step
A potential rapist will first select a target based on her
vulnerability. Somebody jogging alone at night could be in a
vulnerable situation, he said.
Next, the person would test the female by asking fairly superficial
questions. The potential rapist would be trying to control the female
and get submission, he said.
If the woman appears submissive the potential rapist would try
intimidation. This is where the rapist makes his demands known and
the female knows she could be a victim, Thompson said.
Sexual transaction is the fourth »tage.
ISee "Assault"—page 2