It is clear to any students or faculty who use the ACU network that we have a severe problem with its performance. Although this summer ACU increased capacity by over 60 percent, the usability is worse than ever. While many factors contribute to this problem, there is one that stands out far beyond them all: file sharing. Ignoring any legal or ... [Read More…]
Disrespect the real problem in ongoing Chapel debate
I, like many of my fellow students, am quite fatigued by the seemingly eternal Chapel debate channeled through the Optimist, yet there is one particular issue that hasn't been addressed and I feel someone should shed light upon it. For the past two weeks, I have been quite frustrated and angered by the constant display of disrespect by my peers ... [Read More…]
SA must choose projects carefully
The Students' Association is on the right track in sorting through student opinion for campus improvements, but it must be careful to recognize what is valid criticism and what is nothing more than post-adolescent whining. Upon reviewing some of the suggestions SA received from its student surveys this month, we find three categories of ... [Read More…]
Column Like I See ‘Em: Cross Hoss Country
By Steve Holt, Opinion Editor You may have seen them gliding around the perimeter of campus, donning bright jogging singlets. You might have a class with one or two of them. You may even know they run cross country. Chances are, the success of the cross country team doesn't come up over dinner. But do you know how good these guys really ... [Read More…]
Popular praise song delivers false message
By Melanie J. Knox, Page Editor As I Wish "Can He still feel the nails...?" No. "Can He hear the crowd cry crucify...?" No. "Am I causing Him pain ...? No, no, no. I love to sing. Sometimes, I get in the "zone" and get wrapped up in the melody of the song. "Can He still feel the nails" has a beautiful melody, but the words send shivers ... [Read More…]
All students voluntarily commit to attend Chapel when enrolling at ACU
While I don't intend to answer every letter that objects to the Chapel policy, I do think Dave Roland's letter raises interesting questions that deserve a response. Mr. Roland correctly points out that Chapel is a spiritual discipline and spiritual disciplines are entered into voluntarily. That is absolutely right by my understanding. What he ... [Read More…]
Column Like I See ‘Em: What should change about Chapel? The Heart
By Steve Holt, Opinion Editor Many ACU students have the wrong perspective about Chapel and the new policies regarding absences. The student handbook describes Chapel as a "valuable spiritual discipline." And it is. It is truly remarkable to witness over half the university's population coming together in worship (if one so desires). At the most ... [Read More…]
Cullen the place to be for flicks, fun
Weck's World There are so many great ways to watch a movie today: the sit-down theater, the drive-in theater, the house, the dorm room- even the laptop! But nothing quite compares to taking in a flick at Cullen Auditorium. Call me crazy, but last Friday's showing of The Rookie reminded me that I'll take one of these CAT-sponsored events over the ... [Read More…]
New absence policies not the solution for better Chapel experience
I cannot disagree more strongly with the new Chapel policy that was announced two weeks ago. In the first place, requiring students to attend Chapel has always been based on questionable reasoning. It is one thing for a Christian school to ban certain vices. It is quite another to exclude students from community activities if they don't adopt a ... [Read More…]
Bush needs America’s support to bomb Iraq
As it stands right now, Americans feel no pressing need to go to war with Iraq. And until they do, President Bush should leave the troops at home. In all the increasing rhetoric on the world stage concerning Iraq's potentially nuclear threat, one thing remains forgotten: without strong American support, any war will ultimately fail. History ... [Read More…]