Street Beat:
Academics vs Athletics at SHU

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03/02/04

By Rachel Crump,
Staff Writer

For the inaugural run of STREET BEAT, I received a letter that posed a very pertinent question for the students of Seton Hill: Why is so much being done for athletics and is anything being planned for academics and residents? For answers, I talked to Sr. Lois Sculco, vice president of student life, and Mary Ann Gawelek, vice resident of academic affairs and dean of faculty.

According to Sculco, Seton Hill University is in the process of building the student body. "Our objective is to build the student body to 2,000," Sculco said. "One strategy is through athletics." The university is currently recruiting students, male and female, by increasing the number of teams. Currently, there are a number of new teams already installed, such as women's field hockey and men's soccer. Next year, according to Sculco, the school is going to have a men's and women's lacrosse team. There is the possibility of having a football team, but that hasn't been finalized.

"As a university we are always challenged with balancing competing interests," Gawelek said.

"We also have an academic plan," Sculco explained. Along with increasing the student body, the administration goals include academic excellence and student centered learning. According to Gawelek, the school has revised the honors program and has enhanced the program of study. "Faculty are very excited about the new curriculum and the option of offering some of the liberal arts curriculum in specialized 'honors' sections," Gawelek said. Along with these changes, the administration plans on revamping the Graduate program, expanding dining facilities, renovating Sullivan as a student center, improving technology in the current facilities, and renovating the already existing residence halls. There is currently a five-year plan headed by Dr. Robin Illsley, associate dean of student services and dean of residence life, to renovate and sustain the current residence halls. Some of the biggest news this year is the grant given to the university by the city of Greensburg to build a new theater and music facility in the downtown area. "We will also be opening up a family therapy clinic to support the graduate program in marriage and family therapy," said Gawelek.

"We started a hospitality and tourism program two years ago, music therapy this year, and forensic science next year," Gawelek said. "We are currently considering starting a criminal justice major." With a growing student body, a problem may arise with housing. According to Sculco, there are a number of contingency plans in place, including alternative housing in the case that the new residence hall isn't ready in time. "The new dorm won't be as difficult to build as the rec center," Sculco said.

There is also the possibility of having housing above the new theater. According to Sculco, that will depend of funding. Currently, there is an ongoing assessment of residence hall needs. The university budget includes money for renovating the residence halls, which goes toward upkeep, carpeting, new furniture and repairs. The university, according to Sculco, is looking towards putting a sprinkler system and other safety features into the current residence halls, as well as restoring the lounges in Havey.

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