February 9th, 2012
In this Issue
NEWS Artwork, messages from ‘The Universe’ answer Sunday vandalism to Opus I window
OPINION Hamilton’s marijuana policy: Incoherent and unacceptable
FEATURES Professors teach what they preach: innovation
SPORTS Hamilton women’s swimming downs RPI
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Lessons from China
Artwork, messages from ‘The Universe’ answer Sunday vandalism to Opus I window
By Kate Moore ’12
February 9, 2012
Many darkside residents awoke to an unfamiliar scene on Sunday morning. A ring of chairs, held together with caution tape, surrounded the windows outside of Café Opus I. Where once a floor-to-ceiling glass panel had been, stood a large wooden board instead. The makeshift barrier was hastily erected around 12 a.m. on Sunday morning, after the glass window was shattered...
Yet there is a bright side to this destruction, which unfortunately occurred just one week after a campus-wide discussion on alcohol use among Hamilton students. Much like the community meeting, students saw the blank wood panel as an opportunity for positive expression. By the end of the day, the panel was covered with artistic graffiti and inspiring messages and quotes. Though the artists remain largely anonymous, their work has been widely appreciated. See More...
Hammering out the consequences of excess drinking
February 9, 2012
The Committee on the First-Year Experience is slated to talk with members of the community next Monday about the challenges students face when they arrive at Hamilton. The discussion could not come at a more opportune time; the campus, amidst concerns surrounding destructive drinking behavior, could benefit from a second look at how one of the most critical aspects of the first-year experience—orientation—sets the stage for the rest of a student’s college career. One major revision to the way orientation is run has already occurred: Residential Life now leads orientation, starting with last month’s program for Jan-admits and transfers. See more...
Hamilton’s marijuana policy: Incoherent and unacceptable
By Anderson Tuggle '14
February 9, 2012
Only a month ago, the University of Connecticut took a step forward for sensible college drug policy: It lowered the punishment for small possession of marijuana, equalizing it with the punishment for underage alcohol possession. Both violations now result in a warning, participation in a school health program and a “Wellness and Prevention educational sanction.” The university adapted their rules specifically in response to the state of Connecticut’s decriminalization of marijuana in summer of 2011, the 14th state to do so. See more...
Professors teach what they preach: innovation
By Julia Grace Brimelow '14
February 9, 2012
At Hamilton College, the integration of technology has become a standard feature of the classroom experience. Just as smart phones, laptops and iPods are central to modern life, so too are PowerPoint, Blackboard and all-campus mail essential to the contemporary lesson plan. Hamilton ITS reports that 85 percent of the classrooms here are equipped with computers or data projectors and 80 percent of courses use the Blackboard system. It is apparent that professors have embraced technology as an effective supplement to traditional teaching practices. See More...
More Features this week:
Acclaimed Writer-in-Residence to Read from Work
By Sade Oyalowo ’14, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 26, 2012
Terrance Hayes is a thought-provoking poet skilled in verbal agility, eloquent imagery and captivating humor. Hayes is the author of four poetry collections, his most recent collection being LightHead. Through this innovative collection, Hayes investigates how we create experience, presenting “the light-headedness of a mind trying to pull against gravity and time.” See More...
More Arts & Entertainment this week:
Hamilton women’s swimming downs RPI
By Samantha Stoner '13
February 9, 2012
The Hamilton’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams wrapped up a strong season with impressive showings at a dual meet against RPI this past weekend.
The seniors on both the men’s and women’s teams, swimming in their final home meet of their collegiate careers, put in a particularly strong performance, reflecting their desires to go out on top. Standout senior Megan Gibbons finished first in the 50 freestyle and the 100 free and anchored a 400 medley relay, which Hamilton also won. See More...