Board fears approving senior project could set problematic
SHANNON NELLIGAN
News Writer
Merideth Pierce, a senior theater major, requested funds from the Board of Governance (BOG) during the body's meeting Tuesday. These funds will allow her to complete her intensive senior comprehensive in theater by directing the children's play, "Still Life with Iris" by Steven Dietz, she said.
Pierce intends to present the play to the children who attend elementary school in the South Bend school district.
"I am dedicated to doing this right and believe strongly in the power of art in a child's curriculum," Pierce said.
This presentation is unique compared with traditional comprehensives in the theater department because the student is presenting and advertising the play outside the Saint Mary's academic community, Pierce said.
Pierce said she is asking for money because she is required to purchase the rights and scripts to the play due to its audience of schoolchildren.
Sarah Brown, sophomore class president, said that Pierce is a phenomenal Saint Mary's woman, considering her drive and commitment to the arts inside and outside the college community.
The board did express some concern over the funding of senior comprehensives and the differentiation between that and funding other class assignments.
"I think that it would be important to consider what type of precedent this sets for students with BOG's status on campus," said Kristen Matha, student trustee.
Following a brief debate, BOG decided to table discussion on the funding of comprehensives until the Executive Board is able to draw up a proposal for standards on funding senior comprehensives.
In other BOG news:
uNila Ahmad, vice president of the student diversity board, attended the BOG meeting to collect suggestions and an endorsement on the harassment clause she is currently working to implement in the student handbook.
No decision could be made because only 17 members of the board were in attendance. The discussion was tabled until next week.
u Rose-marie Harris, interim director of security, came to introduce herself to the board and expressed her hope to work with the student body.
"I have an open door policy," she said.
All News Stories for Tuesday, November 12, 2002
