President’s November Academic Last Perspective Focus Agenda Glance Productive tension: Freshman Seminars: Collins Address: Good Old Days: University seeks to promote Pilot program brings best Rachel Moore looks at legacy Step back in time at the academic excellence, yet of Baylor experience of our literary birthright in Historic Village’s Heritage remain true to mission.2 to incoming students.3 great American masterpieces.5 Bonfire celebration Nov.8 2. Vol. 9, No. 9 • NOVEMBER 1999 Dr. Mark Schwartze (second from left) familiarizes members of Dr. William Hillis’ Freshman Inquiry Seminar with medical procedures in the University’s new Health Center at the McLane Student Life Center. Dr. Hillis is at right. Freshman Inquiry Seminars have proven to help students transition academically and socially, strengthen retention rates, foster a sense of community and stimulate long-term academic success. By Nancy Cadou Godson dents that course offerings were transition from high school to uni- ery, students gain crucial learning n interdiscipli- expanded this year to accommo- versity academics. Expert teacher- skills and are introduced to Baylor’s nary pilot pro- date its fast-growing enrollment. scholars lead students into multi- expansive research resources. gram intro- Freshman Inquiry Seminars faceted explorations of significant Freshman participation in the sem- A duced last fall use small-group learning experi- cultural and social issues pertinent inars is projected at 280 for this to initiate incoming freshmen into ences and close faculty-student to biology, economics, political sci- academic year, compared to 115 academic life at Baylor has proved interaction to help first-year ence, physics, the classics, or other students last year. so popular among faculty and stu- students make the intellectual select subjects. Along with discov- See “Inquiry” on page 3 InsightsInsights President’s Perspective Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, Academic integrity balanced by faith-based mission Baylor University is the state’s oldest continu- ally operating institution of higher learning ne of the challenges that Baylor faces as and is the largest Baptist university in the a church-related, doctoral university is “I believe it is not only world. With more than 13,000 students and Oachieving academic prominence while possible for this University 600 full-time faculty, Baylor offers undergrad- remaining true to our faith-based mission. At times uate, graduate and professional degrees to achieve academic promi- through the College of Arts and Sciences, the during the University’s 154-year history that quest Hankamer School of Business, the School of has produced tension. No doubt that tension will nence, but also to stake Education, the School of Music, the School continue as long as we take seriously the purposes out a position as the lead- of Nursing, the School of Engineering and for which Baylor was founded. Computer Science, the School of Law, the We are not alone in this struggle. Catholic ing Protestant institution in Graduate School and George W. Truett institutions across the country are wrestling with Theological Seminary. Baylor is consistently the world.” President Robert B. Sloan Jr. ranked among the top college values in the the implications of Ex corde Ecclesiae, a docu- country by such publications as Fisk Guide ment released in 1990 by Pope John Paul II that to Colleges, Princeton Review and Money was drafted to define the relationship between the fruitful in generating thoughtful discourse about Our recognition as a leader in faith-based magazine. church and Catholic colleges and universities. It this subject. higher education is growing, as evidenced by Dr. Robert B. Sloan Jr. has sparked a spirited debate among that commu- Baylor’s selection to host next spring’s American President nity of faith. The Sept. 17 issue of The Chronicle of Denominational ties Association of University Professors conference on Higher Education contains an excellent article on While many Protestant colleges and universi- academic freedom at religious institutions. This Marilyn A. Crone the impact of Ex corde on American Catholic ties have abandoned or lessened their relationships conference, which is being coordinated by Lynn Vice President for Human Resources higher education, and I encourage you to read it if with their sponsoring denominations, Baylor has Tatum in the religion department, will probe the Harold R. Cunningham you have not already done so. continued to value its relationship with Baptists. challenges that institutions like Baylor face in car- VIce President for Finance and Despite the 1990 charter change, which was neces- rying out their objectives of promoting academic Administration Catholic colleagues sary to insulate Baylor from the political struggle freedom while remaining true to their faith-based Over the past two years, Baylor faculty and afflicting us as Southern Baptists, we have main- tenets. Dr. Charles S. Madden administrators have had excellent interaction with tained a vital partnership with the Baptist General I believe Baylor occupies a very important Vice President for University Relations our Catholic colleagues at the University of Notre Convention of Texas. In fact, I believe in the years niche in American higher education. Some may Dr. Steven G.W. Moore Dame, Boston College and Santa Clara University to come, Baylor and Texas Baptists will find new doubt our vision, but I believe it is not only possi- Vice President for Student Life about the similar challenges we face as we seek to ways to partner with churches to carry out our ble for this University to achieve academic promi- integrate faith and learning. I have participated in common interests in education, missions and nence, but also to stake out a position as the lead- Dr. Donald D. Schmeltekopf several of these sessions and they have been quite ministry. ing Protestant institution in the world. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Richard C. Scott Vice President for University Development Two Assume New ____________ Baylor Duties in Athletics BaylorNews is published 10 times a year by Exercises the Office of Public Relations. he Baylor Athletic Department has named The submission of suggestions for sto- Heart Tom Hill director of the University’s Ferrell ries is encouraged. The newsletter works Special Events Center and Scott Stricklin two months in advance. Deadline is the in AHA T first of each month (i.e. Oct. 1 for the assistant athletic director of December issue). Comments or questions Fundraiser media relations. should be directed to: Hill has been with Baylor athletics for 11 years, serving as BaylorNews P.O. Box 97024 a graduate assistant in Clyde Waco, TX 76798-7024 Hart’s track and field program, (254) 710-1963 compliance director, assistant (254) 710-1490 (Fax) More than 200 faculty, staff and students participated in the Sept. 11 HeartWalk, track coach, and most recently Hill [email protected] collecting nearly $6,500 in donations for the American Heart Association. The as assistant athletic director, a pr.baylor.edu Controller’s Office took top honors for the most raised by a department with title he will retain. $1,140. Baylor also received a Spirit Award and was recognized locally as the In addition to serving as Larry D. Brumley institution with the most participants in the walk. Associate Vice President home to Baylor’s intercollegiate for Communications men’s basketball and women’s basketball and volleyball pro- Brenda S. Tacker Director of Publications grams, the 10,000-seat Ferrell and University Editor Center is the site of graduation Stricklin United Way Campaign Kicks Off ceremonies for the University and area schools, Vicki Marsh Kabat hat better way to end the year than Faculty and staff who have not yet pledged concerts, lectures, touring shows, and other special Associate Director of Publications with Baylor reaching its United Way will receive information via e-mail this month events. and Managing Editor Wgoals of $65,000 in total pledges and and again in December. “We wanted to try and Stricklin comes to Baylor from Tulane Kate Langston being the largest corporate donor in the city? make it very easy for people to get involved,” Anz University, where he served as assistant athletic Editor/Writer and Associate Editor That’s how Susan Anz and Dr. Ray Wilson, co- said of the e-mail approach. “Employees also can director for media relations for the past year. In chairs of the 1999 Baylor campaign, hope to ring take advantage of payroll deduction to make it addition to overseeing the media relations office at Lori Scott Fogleman in the new year. even more convenient to give to United Way.” Tulane, he served as media coordinator for the Director of Media Relations “The United Way helps so many different According to its annual report, the United 1999 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Writers organizations, and you can designate which Way of Waco-McLennan County reaches one out First/Second Rounds held in the New Orleans Julie Carlson, Alan Hunt, LoAna Lopez agency is to receive your gift,” said Anz, assistant of every two people in the county through its 21 Superdome. Before his position at Tulane, Stricklin controller in the Controller’s Office. “And since a member agencies. Approximately 90 cents of served as the associate media relations director at Art Director majority of the money you give stays in the Waco every dollar goes toward direct service of people Auburn University for five seasons and with the Eric Yarbrough and McLennan County area, you literally could in need. Mississippi State University sports information Photographers be helping the person right next to you.” “Last year we enjoyed being co-chairs,” Dr. office from 1988-93. Chris Hansen and Clifford Cheney Dr. Wilson, professor of biology, said giving Wilson said of his and Anz’s leadership. “We real- Both moves became effective in October.