A sophomore student entered an administrative
office late last spring waving a paper and looking slightly flushed. "Here's
some evidence of grade inflation," she said, and displayed the paper to the man
behind the desk. A large "A-" was scrawled at the top of the page. "I hardly
studied for this," the woman said. "I don't know whether to be happy or sad." That anecdote may not accurately depict grading practices at Colby, but
something like it has gotten the attention of the College. Grades are under
investigation.
Colby Mourns Passing of Four Faculty
The Colby community recently noted the passing of four retired faculty
members whose careers spanned more than 50 years and whose influence is
preserved by alumni who still credit them for their success.
Under the Macroscope
One needn't spend a lot of time with Associate Professor of Economics David
Findlay to understand why students rate him among the best teachers on the
campus. When he talks about economics, his entire body gets involved, coiling
and uncoiling with each explanation, daring you not to be interested.
Pundits & Plaudits
Returning to Worship
Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, John D. MacArthur Associate Professor of
Sociology and Anthropology and African-American Studies, was quoted in an
article in the San Jose Mercury News about the spiritual renewal among
middle-class African Americans.Not Nearly Enough
Assistant Professor of Economics Saranna Thornton '81, in an opinion
article in the Providence Journal-Bulletin, said recent congressional
and White House budget proposals fall far short of what is necessary to reduce
the national deficit over the long term.Spend Thrift
Associate Professor of Government Tony Corrado, quoted in the
May 17 Wall Street Journal, said that despite having nearly reached
the ceiling on pre-convention campaign spending, Sen. Bob Dole will continue to
deliver his message via other means.
G. Calvin Mackenzie, Distinguished Presidential Professor of Government, was
named to head the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election
Practices in May, replacing Dean of Faculty Robert McArthur, who did not seek
a new term. The commission monitors campaign financing and legislative ethics
in the state. Macken-zie will serve a two-year term.
. . . Associate Professor of Sociology Terry Arendell was
honored by the American Sociological Association, which selected her for an
appearance at "An Author Meets the Critics" session at the ASA's national
meeting in New York City. Five leading sociologists will comment on
Arendell's book Fathers and Divorce . . . .
Associate Professor of Biology Jay Labov attended a meeting sponsored by the
National Science Foundation and the National Research Council to discuss
strategies for revitalizing undergraduate education. . . .
Assistant Professor of History Larissa Taylor was named nominating officer of
the executive committee of the Society for Reformation Research, and received
a two-month fellowship for 1997 to work at the Herzog August Bibliothek in
Wolfenbuttel, Germany.
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