The self-designed major program was introduced to the Student Government Administration (SGA) at its April 4 meeting. The program, presented by Richard Kamber, professor of philosophy and religion, allows students to obtain a bachelor's degree in either an interdisciplinary concentration or a major that is not offered by the College.
"A student who wants to take on the very challenging task of preparing a self-designed major (can now) earn a degree in a major that is not one of the official approved majors at our college," Kamber said. Kamber described the program as rigorous. "(The self-designed major program) by intent is an honors level program - very demanding."
Kamber said the program consists of 12 courses. A student must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better to even submit a proposal. The program also requires students to take part in a Capstone seminar.
Kamber said more information regarding the self-designed major program will be posted on the College's Web site. Kamber added that the program will be incorporated into all recruitment literature for the College. Kamber said two proposals for biochemistry have been approved, in addition to requests for a classical studies major.
SGA passed a bill that will provide for the creation of a class council coordinator, an internally-elected position charged with the task of overseeing the class councils. Steve Viola, junior class treasurer, presented the bill and said there was a need for a "cooperative meeting group" between the class councils. Viola said a large amount of work is expected of the class councils and the position would be a way to alleviate some of their burdens.
Viola said the coordinator's primary responsibility would be to chair biweekly meetings of all of the class councils. The coordinator will be selected through interviews with the class councils.
Realistic Individuals Saving the Environment (RISE) was given official club status by SGA. The club's constitution says it seeks to spread awareness regarding "the dangers of global warming, pollution and the present state of our atmosphere." RISE will be participating in the New Jersey Climate March and organizing an Earth Day Walk-a-thon that will raise money for the Adopt a Rainforest Agency.
Stephanie Cwynar, sophomore class treasurer, discussed the issue of garbage collection at the College. Cwynar said a number of complaints were filed throughout the year regarding the time of garbage collection. Collection takes place in the early morning, disturbing the sleep of many students.
Cwynar collected student reports of the early collection times, as well as time-stamped photographs, and presented the findings to Christopher Chamberlin, director of Operational Services. According to Cwynar, the waste collection contract will be up for renegotiation next year. A collection time ranging between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. may be implemented.
