Freshman Face Problems While Figuring Out Computers (Sept. 25, 1990)
By Mary Ruef
Every incoming freshman must have a computer.
This “Knowledge Initiative” requirement is generating different views throughout the freshman class.
Many of the incoming freshmen had already owned a comparable computer.
These computers were not compatible and students were forced to purchase a new one at the average price of $2,500 or buy equipment that was equally expensive to make their computer compatible.
Students were given the opportunity to buy the computer on their own, making sure it was compatible with the school’s and were also given the option of purchasing a computer through Lynchburg College at a discounted price.
Freshman know the positive outcome of learning these computers, but some are not pleased with how it has affected their first few weeks here.
“The intentions of the program are very good,” said freshman Tracy Swann. “Everyone must learn how to use a computer. It’s just hard when we have so much else to worry about.”
James Traer, dean of the college, has been actively involved in this program from the beginning.
“The goal of this program is to use these computers as a learning tool throughout the curriculum, not just to learn about computers,” said Traer.
He also added that he wants to “use computers to improve teaching and to make it interactive.”
The long range goal is to network the entire campus.
The “Knowledge Initiative” is just beginning, but in the end, we should all be computer literate.
Psychology Building Nears Completion (Sept. 21, 1977)
By Pam Tobin
Upon arriving on campus after the summer, returning Lynchburg College students may have been surprised at the disappearance of the familiar “army barracks” known as the Quonsets, former headquarters of the psychology department.
In their place next to the Dillard Fine Art Building, a new building, not yet fully completed, has appeared. This building will be the new psychology building.
Housing offices for psychology professors Mrs. Peggy Pittas, department chairman, Dr. Tom Looney, Dr. Steve Southall, and Dr. Betty Hardee, the building also contains student laboratories, classrooms, pigeon and rat rooms, and a research center for use by faculty and students.
The building offers to psychology students and faculty members new features, including a two-way mirror facility for social research and observation of groups and a human research center in memory and verbal learning. Both work under controlled conditions.
The new building for the psychology department is the first short-term step up in a specific long range five-year plan created last year by a special goals and planning committee to improve and further develop the LC campus. The committee consisted of representatives from student organizations, day students, alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees. It was developed because of needs expressed by various other committees on campus.
Headed by Mr. Robert S. Lockridge, chairman of the college board of Trustee’s finance and development committee, the committee began meeting a little over a year ago and produced a list of priorities for improving the campus. They decided unanimously that the psychology department needed their immediate attention.
