Page 4-Thursday, July 27, 1978-The Michigan Daily
00michigan DAILY
Eighty-eight Years of Editorial Freedom
420 Maynard St., Ann Arbor, Ml. 48109
Vol. LXXXVIII, No. 52-S News Phone: 764-0552
Thursday, July 27, 1978
Edited and managed by students
at the University of Michigan
What's in a major?
Let me tell you
!I
Early campaigning
A S ANDREW YOUNG'S surprise "political
prisoner" statement illustrated last week,
there needs to be more communication between
high echelon government officials so that there
might be better coordination of public statemen-
ts. President Carter's battered image-maker
Gerald Rafshoon - who is trying to save Car-
ter's battered image in time for the 1980 election
- is justified in criticizing the administration for
its lack of continuity.
But the approach Rafshoon has taken to
solving this problem is portentous. Monday, Raf-
shoon decided to cancel the appearance of
presidential aide Midge Costanza on the "Good
Morning America" television program, and
replace her with Stuart Eizenstat, the
president's domestic affairs adviser.
Rafshoon claims, "We're not telling (White
House staff) what to say," but Costanza's ap-
pearance was cancelled because Raf-
shoon 'thought she might say something
damaging to Carter's image. This is not only a
poorly concealed attempt at Ron Ziegler-like
censorship, but also evidence of public opinion
poll politics in the White House.
In effect, Carter is running for reelection two
years early. The polls show his popularity is
plummeting, so he has hired a man specifically
to improve his image. He has obviously given
Rafshoon carte blanche authority in performing
this task, even if it includes censorship of White
House staffers. It is true that some coordination
is needed concerning statements made by ad-
ministration officials, but an image build on cen-
sorship and conformity to rigid doctrine is more
representative of ad agency tactics than
presidential policy.
By Stephen Pickover
Upon receiving my diploma
from the College of Literature,
Science and Arts at the Univer-
sity of Michigan, I casually rip-
ped open the manilla envelope,
stuffed with firm cardboard, and
perused the small document for-
mistakes. Spelling of name?
Check. School? Check. Degree?
Check. Majors? Majors . . .?
There was no mistake. The
double major for which I pain-
stakingly labored what seemed
an eternity was simply not listed.
I looked on the back, checked for
the possibility of a second page,
tried reading the document over
a light bulb to discover the in-
visible ink, but alas, no major.
Somewhat miffed, especially
after discussing the matter with a
friend who was visibly discon-
cerned at not having his
Economics/History of Art double
major embossed on his cer-
tificate, I strode to the diploma
office for some answers.
"WELL, IT really doesn't mat-
ter," she said pertly. "Your
majors are on your transcript, so
if you have to apply for a job,
they're right there." I later lear-
ned that only people who do
honors undergraduate work in
LSA are entitled to having their
majors placed on their diploma.
"I don't know who makes the much use to the graduate, it must
decision," she added to calm my be for the benefit of others.
wrath. Imagine that; after four Diplomas are displayed like
years and $20,000 she tried to tell - words of art. Walk into a doctor's,
me my majors are unimportant! coporate business executive's or
The College of Literature, politician's office and what are
Science and Arts must deem hanging on the wall. Numerous
them important because to even diplomas, awards and cer-
consider receiving a Bachelor of tificates, displayed proudly,
Arts or Sciences one must saying this is my background, my
declare a major by the junior credentials. What does a diploma
year. At least fifty per cent of a that says Bachelor of Sciences
student's college work is spent on tell you? That 60 credits or more
prerequisites or on required were completed in the sciences. I
courses for completion of a happen to have a double major lin
major. It is important enough for zoology and theater. Will anyone
one to see a counselor concerning believe me?
the pros and cons of selection and U n de r g a r d u a t e engineers
to be placed at the head of the receive diplomas with their
transcript, along with other per- respective majors listed. Why not
tinent information like name, ad- LSA? The students certainly
dress, and school. Why then isnt have worked and studied just as
it important enough to be put on a hard, and deserve just as much
diploma? consideration for their time and
WHAT IS the significance of a effort. It may not seem like
diploma? Its purpose, its use? much, but after four years one
Graduates certainly do not need a would think that the Big 'U' could
piece of paper to prove to them- have a little heart.
selves that they have completed
their studies. They remember the "
hassles with the bureaucracy, Stephen Pickover, a prolific
with absent professors, with Daily Arts staff writer, says he
mistaken grades, the hours of spent four years and 20 grand-
study, the perfect paper, the t fouearsfand 20 rand
failure. They know they to become qualified to direct a
graduated from the University of play about animal husbandry,
Michigan. It seems if it is not but no one believes him.
To the Regents: Minorities
To The Daily:
We are incensed at the
Supreme Court finding in favor of
Allan Bakke. We are concerned
that the Court's decision will be
used to undercut the minimal
gains that have been made
toward increasing the full and
equitable participation of
minorities and women at the
University of Michigan.
We call attention to the fact
that, although the University un-
dertook in 1970 to achieve 10 per
cent black enrollment, it has
fallen far short of this goal. In
fact, black and minority
enrollment has declined in recent
years. Similarly, in the area of
employment, the University has
failed to satisfy HEW
requirements governing fair em-
ployment practices.
We call upon the Ad-
ministration and Regents of the
University to publicly reaffirm
their commitment to affirmative
action with respect to both hiring
and admissions.
-Atet cat/Prostitution Education
Project; American Medical Student
Association (AMSA); Ann Arbor
Committee for Human Rights in
Latin America, Steering Commit-
tee; Ann Arbor Preparatory Com-
mitteefor the Eleventh World Youth
Festival; Ann Arbor Wilmington
Ten Defense Committee;
Association for Critical Social
Studies; Black Medical Association;
Black Student Union; Chicano
Student Psychology Association;
Graduate Employes Organiation
(GEO) Executive Sommittee;
Graduate Employes Organization
(GEO) Stewards Council; La Raza
Law Students Association; Los Hijos
de Atlan; Medicai Women
Academic Caucus; Michigan Allian-
ce Against Repression; Minority
Women's Caucus; National Lawyers
Guild. Ann Arbor; People's Action
Coalition; Science For The People;
Socialist Party; Washtenasw County
Coalition Against Apartheid;
Womanspace; Women's
Mobilization Collective; Women's
Studies Program, Program Com-
mittee; Young Socialist Alliance
Letters should be typed and limited
to 400 words. The Daily reserves the
right to edit letters for length and
grammar.
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