The Bowdoin Orient
Volume CXXXIX, Number 10
November 20, 2009
OPINION
Ongoing Evaluations
This week, the Orient investigated the little-known process of Ongoing Learning Evaluations (OLEs), during which professors invite honest student conversation about a particularly difficult topic: themselves. During an OLE, a peer professor attends the teaching professor's class to facilitate student discussion about the effectiveness of the professor's teaching so far.
We need more nuclear plants to combat global warming
By JOE BABLER, CONTRIBUTORIf we have so many diplomatic problems with the Middle East, why do we send them millions of dollars a day by purchasing their oil? Everyone across the political spectrum agrees that we have to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources, but the similarities usually end there. The left, seeing an imminent problem with global warming and its connection to our oil and fossil fuel use, hail our energy problem as an opportunity to lower our dependence on oil and save the planet through an expanse of renewable energy.
Renewable energy credits are only going to get U.S. so far
By BENJAMIN ZIOMEK, CONTRIBUTORWith the recent release of the Bowdoin Blueprint for Carbon Neutrality, sustainability is again a buzzword on campus—or at least on posters and in the Student Digest. The College's plan is effective, but the methods it uses highlight a problem with many current modes of environmental thought: it is impossible for every institution and household in the U.S. to reach carbon neutrality using the same methods that Bowdoin plans to use.
A gender-neutral housing policy is unnecessary and problematic
By CRAIG HARDT, CONTRIBUTORThe issue of gender-neutral housing, once a chief concern for our Bowdoin Student Government leaders, has manifested itself in a grassroots movement for change. Seeking to bypass the internal debate and bureaucratic hold ups of attempting a top-down reformation of our housing system, a group of frustrated students has decided to take matters into their own hands.
Joe Lieberman’s gamble on health care reform is rather risky
By CHRIS ROWE, CONTRIBUTORThe House of Representatives recently passed their own bill aimed at overhauling the health care system in this country, including a robust public option. The ball now moves over to the Senate, where Majority Leader Harry Reid has spent the past few months crafting a bill he hopes will be able to navigate both the conflicting interests and the procedural hurdles of the Senate. It won't be easy, and it's not going to be pretty.
The infectious diseases we face today are relatively tame
By JONATHAN CORAVOS, CONTRIBUTORLast week, Robby Bitting '11 ate a Z-pack, slept diligently, and drained at least a keg of water. This week, he's quarantined in Brunswick Apartments with both H1N1 and a sinus infection. Despite the waves of vaccines rolling through campus and his best efforts to ward off sickness, the Swine didn't seem to care, and carried him off without a hesitation. Who knows when we'll see him again?
Campus Activities Board is defunct
By CHRIS OMACHI, CONTRIBUTORIn light of the spate of recent articles in the Orient, it is clear that many students do not trust the Entertainment Board (E-Board). When considering the importance of live entertainment for the college experience of students and the great cost of events, it is understandable that students want a voice in the decisions being made. It is also understandable that students have felt unheard in recent years.
Hurwit’s op-ed on capital punishment was compelling
Over the past few years I have attended demonstrations and vigils, rung doorbells and signed petitions against the death penalty. In all that time I don't believe I've ever read as compelling an indictment of capital punishment as that provided by Caitlin Hurwit in the November 13 op-ed, "The execution of convicts is inappropriate, cruel and irreversible." Bravo!
Bias Incident Group investigated racially charged incident
We write to inform your readers of a disturbing incident of bias that took place near campus during Parents Weekend, and to ask members of our community to report any similar incidents to Campus Security.