NO. 1 VOLUME XXXIX FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008

THEBennett BANNER The Newspaper Produced by and Published for the Phenomenal Women of Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina

Campus Happenings

Family and Friends WeekendH I G H L I G H T S :

‘The reaffirmation of our accreditation’ Bennett College adminis-tration is preparing students, faculty and staff for a Nov. 11-13 on-site evaluation that will de-termine renewal of the College’s accreditation. To receive or maintain ac-creditation with the Commis-sion of Colleges (COC), an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality En-hancement and with Policies and Procedures of the Commis-sion on Colleges (QEP). COC is a division of the Southern Association of Col-leges and Schools (SACS), and is also the representative body of the College Delegate Assem-bly and is charged with carrying out the accreditation process. Dr. John Jones, Associate Provost for Institutional Effec-tiveness and Enrollment Man-

By Aziza JacksonBanner Editor-in-Chief

ACES continued on Page 2

FRIDAY, Oct. 3The Coronation Banquet6 p.m.Sallie Walker Brown Dining Hall

SATURDAY, Oct. 4Miss Bennett College Coronation7 p.m.Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel

SUNDAY, Oct. 5Founders’ Day Convocation11 a.m.Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel

Founder’s Day ReceptionImmediately following ConvocationStudent Union Foyer

The 2008-09 Academic Cul-tural Enrichment Series known to all Bennett Belles as ACES has changed. There will be no one, two, or three-point ACES programs. Instead, all students are required to attend at least 19 or 75 percent of the ACES programs to receive a satisfactory grade. Students are also required to attend ACES every semester regardless of their classification. In addition, ACES programs will only be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. this semester. In President Julianne Malveaux’s greeting to Belles in the fall 2008 ACES Calendar she described ACES as “a con-dition of Bennett citizenship.” Malveaux also noted that ACES “is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to

By Ci’Ara BoydBanner Staff

Michelle Obama in Greensboro

Clockwise from right: Obama supporters wait in line outside the Carolina Theater; Poet and author Maya Angelou introduces Michelle Obama; Michelle Obama addresses the audience.

PHOTOS BY ANGIE PEARSON

agement serves as the SACS liaison for the reaffirmation process at Bennett College. “We are not going through accreditation, we are going through the reaffirmation of our accreditation, which means that we are accredited and are simply reaffirming that accredi-tation with the commission,” said Jones. SACS is the recognized re-gional accrediting body in the 11 U.S. southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Each institution applying for accreditation or renewal of accreditation is required to de-velop a Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP. Bennett’s QEP topic is: “En-hancing Communication Skills Through the General Education Curriculum.” The College will implement the QEP in three basic ways: in-

struction, faculty development, and assessment. “My expectations are that faculty will incorporate the QEP skills,” said Dr. Marilyn Mobley, Provost of Academic Affairs. “The goal is for every-one to incorporate the impor-tance of not only writing, but the importance in writing well, and communicating through writing.” In order to satisfy Bennett’s QEP topic, the school will be making significant revisions to the general education cur-riculum and other academic programs. These revisions will include more writing assignments and projects embedded in courses. “I want students to under-stand that your writing comes before you,” said Mobley. “People judge you on the ba-sis of it. You want to represent yourself well, because then you represent Bennett well.” Bennett’s QEP topic was

generated by consensus within the College community. “We sent surveys and we did focus groups. We looked at assessment data and with all this we came to that existing topic,” said Jones. Campus-wide topic selec-tion is a requirement of COC. At the culmination of the QEP, the Commission on Col-leges sends an on-site com-mittee of professional peers to the campus to assess the edu-cational strengths and weak-nesses of the institution. During a typical three-day visit, committee members ex-amine data and conduct in-terviews in order to evaluate the soundness of the College’s QEP and determine whether the institution is in compliance with the principles. The departure of the commit-tee from campus does not mark the end of the accreditation process. The visiting committee’s

report is reviewed by the Com-mittee on Compliance and Reports who then recommends action on accreditation to the Executive Council of the Com-mittee. The Executive Council in turn recommends action to the Committee on Colleges which makes the final decision. These decisions are an-nounced to the College Del-egate Assembly during its an-nual business session. If the Commission is not pleased, the worst-case sce-nario is that Bennett will be reaffirmed with conditions. The administration would need to provide additional evidence of the College’s com-pliance by way of follow-up reports. “I am overflowing with con-fidence. I am confident that we are in compliance and will do what is required to demonstrate that compliance,” said Jones. “We will be reaffirmed.”

ACES gets makeover

THE BENNETT BANNER - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 - PAGE 2

BelleSPEAK

THE BENNETT BANNER - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008- PAGE 2

Greek-imposed commentary does not belong in an ACES program. I believe that the Academic Cultural Enrichment Se-ries, also known as ACES, should enrich the student in a holistic manner, instead of serving as a forum for Greek shout-outs. And although I have a deep respect for the Greek presence on this campus, including Greek organizations and Greek members of administration, there is a time and a place to claim that excellence. Students don’t want Greekdom shoved down their throats. Being Greek is a privilege, not an obligation to the college and certainly has no place in regularly scheduled ACES program-ming. Many students have other interests and other obligations outside of Greek life that are meaningful to them. Surely with all the hard work that the administration has put into the reconstruction of ACES, there should be nothing put on any pedestal higher than the enrichment of the student. ACES cuts across organizational lines, and race and social barriers. It is meant to unify rather than dislocate. I suggest all clubs and organizations on campus be com-mended in a separate ACES program, not just the annual “Organization of the Year” award given on Recognition Day at the end of the school year, but a program that goes in depth to acknowledge the values of the organization and to highlight the achievements and community involvement of each and every club and organization on campus. Perhaps Greek plots would be the proper decorum for claiming Greek excellence on campus. ACES protocol should be enforced by students, faculty and administration. It serves the Bennett College community as an enrichment oasis of personal growth and knowledge. Whether its attendees are touched from the lessons of a lecture, or from the words of a distinguished guest, ACES should serve in the best interest of the student and not as a tribute to Greekdom.

By Aziza JacksonBanner Editor

LETTER POLICY: The Banner welcomes brief letters to the editor and guest columns but does not guarantee their publication. The Banner retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. All submissions become the property of the Banner and will not be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published. All letters must contain the name of the writer, classification, major or group affiliation, phone number and campus address. The Banner does not accept facsimiles, or e-mails. Address letters to: Aziza Jackson, Editor, The Bennett Banner, Campus Box 25, Shell Hall C-2 Greensboro, NC, 27401

-MISSION STATEMENT-The Bennett Banner is the official student newspaper of Bennett Col-lege. The Banner is produced in conjunction with a laboratory class in the Journalism & Media Studies Department. Any full-time Bennett College student is eligible to become a member of the newspaper staff and earn one credit. The Banner is published at least three times each semester during the 2008-09 academic year. Editorials are the opinion of the Banner editor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire Banner staff. Signed columns and letters to the editor reflect the opinion of the writer and serve as an open forum for the expression of facts or opinions. The newspaper is distributed throughout the campus on a weekday, Monday through Friday. During the fall and spring semesters, except during holidays and college breaks. Publication and distribution dates are subject to change without advance notice.

The Fall 2008 Bennett Banner Staff

OPINION ‘Talk is Cheap. Free Speech Isn’t’

Is Greekdom the new ACES?Will Sarah Palin, the female Republican Vice Presidential nominee, gain the support of Hill-ary Clinton supporters?

“No, I do not believe Palin will gain the support of Clinton sup-porters. Mc-Cain was not

getting as much attention as Barack Obama, so he chose a woman vice president because he knew the media would eat it up.”Genevieve Biggs//Freshwoman//Omaha, Neb.//Journalism and Media Studies major//

“She will not get my vote because she is still a Repub-lican, and I do not support

McCain. He was just trying to get the Hillary vote by choos-ing her for his VP.”Rita Rae Conley//Junior//Atlanta, Ga.//Education major//

“No, because I feel Sarah Palin lacks ex-perience. She was only cho-sen as strategy

for the Republicans. Yes, she was a hockey mom, but has she given back for thirty-five years as Clinton has? Nevertheless, I do respect her for taking on the responsibility, as a mother of five.”Judy Maduegbunam// Sophomore//Boston, Mass.//Political Science major//

“No, because I don’t feel she has the level of ex-perience to fill Hillary’s

shoes. She seems slightly too cocky to not yet have achieved anything in Washington. She was only chosen because of her gender. The American people are smarter than that.”Brittney Wilson//Senior//Winston-Salem, N.C.//Mass Communications major//

Aziza JacksonEditor-in-Chiefajackson@bennett.edu

Christina Berkleychrisie10988@yahoo.com

Satoya Boldensbolden@bennett.edu

Ci’Ara Boydcdboyd@bennett.edu

Myeisha Essexmessex@bennett.edu

Nezile Mthembu nmthembu@bennett.edu

Angeline Pearsonapearson@bennett.edu

Carmen Smith carmen112@earthlink.net

Ratasha Smithratasha_s@yahoo.com

Sutana Thompson thejrnalist@aol.com

Dominique Vinson dvinson@bennett.edu Iymaani Walker iwalker@bennett.edu Dr. Yvonne Welbon Faculty Advisor(336) 517-2306ywelbon@bennett.edu

The Bennett Banner Office

900 E. Washington St.Campus Box 25Office Shell Hall C-2, Greensboro, NC 27401(336) 517-2305banner@bennett.edu

ACES continued from Page 1 engage in co-curricular learning and community development.” In summer 2008 President Malveaux, Associate Provost, Dr. Stanley Viltz, and the ACES Task Force met to share ideas that would benefit the students and improve the ACES program. “The ACES Task Force was in agreement that each program will be given the same courtesy,” said Yolande Johnson, Director of Career Services, and ACES Coordinator. “Hopefully students will go to ACES because of their inter-est in the programs,” added Johnson. Students that had any cir-cumstances that conflicted with the ACES schedule were given the chance to obtain an ACES waiver, which was subject to approval. Conflicts with at-tendance ranged from an in-ternship to an off-campus job. Students with a waiver must still attend 13 or 5 of the ACES programs. The standard attire for ACES programs include pant suits, skirt suits, dress pants, and skirts. Students should not wear gauchos, capri pants, jeans, or flip-flops; those dressed inap-propriately will not be given credit. It is mandatory for students to wear a dress or skirt

to formal ACES programs such as Convocatum Est, Founders Day, Charter Day, Senior Day, and Honors Convocation. There are now signs posted on campus with pictures showing acceptable and unacceptable ACES attire. When asked why the signs were created, Johnson said, “I did it to help students understand the attire and be-cause sometimes students mis-inform each other.” Ruth Dennis-Phillips, direc-tor of Campus Life, is currently in training. She will be the new ACES Coordinator for the spring semester. She accepted the position in May. “Being a Belle, I just wanted to assist in any way possible for the College,” said Phillips. According to Phillips, it is easy for students to complain about ACES; she encourages students to instead bring their ideas to the table. Students will also have an op-portunity to give suggestions on speakers and the ACES program at the end of the semester Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008. “I look forward to working with ACES, Malveaux, speak-ers, and bringing excellent and exciting programs to the chapel for students,” said Phillips.

THE BENNETT BANNER - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008- PAGE 3

FEATURES

By Angie PearsonBanner Staff

BB: What are your goals for this year as Student Government Association (SGA) president?

MW: My [goals this year in-clude] meeting student needs, building relationships with other institutions and com-munity members, and creating programs that focus on different majors, international aware-ness, and self-defense. It is my

hope to boost student morale and bring diverse programming to Bennett.

BB: Why did you decide to attend Bennett College? MW: I decided to attend Ben-nett College after my uncle vis-ited the college with my grand-mother. He said he wanted me to go to this school. My grand-mother and uncle later flew me to California from Ohio to meet Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole and she then accepted me into the Ben-nett community.

BB: With a chaotic schedule and numerous meetings, where and how do you find

the time for yourself? MW: Hmm…where do I find time for myself? I love to work-out. I try to fit in my schedule to run and box and to go to relaxing places occasionally.

By Carmen SmithBanner Staff

The Sept. 10, faculty mixer was an opportunity for new faculty to mingle with veter-ans of the College. About 25 guests were in attendance at Steele Hall for the event that was hosted by Dr. Marilyn Mobley, Provost of Academic Affairs. “I chose to have this because faculty needed to meet in a more informal setting,” Mo-bley said. “I want my crew to meet and greet.” That is what Mark Dixon, Adjunct Instructor of Social Work did at the occasion. He came to Bennett last semester while working at University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and took on the chance to teach after hearing great things about recent developments at the College through co-work-ers at UNCG. “Malveaux’s on fire,” Dixon said, referring to Bennett Pres-

ident Julianne Malveaux. “So when the opportunity came I jumped on it.” He believes there is no better way to learn than to teach. One of his goals is to im-part in his students a desire to look at information more critically. Also in attendance was Dr. Stanley Viltz, the new associate provost of Student Affairs. She says she knew she would come to Bennett after meeting students and ex-ploring the Greensboro area while attending President Malveaux’s inauguration last spring. Viltz has come out of retire-ment from 32 years of work in post-secondary education. She felt her passion for de-veloping leadership in young African-American women was a perfect fit with her new position at Bennett. Because she is responsible for student services she has

Introducing the 2008-09 SGA President: Mesha WhiteBB: Were you ever scared of what you would do if you were elected SGA president? MW: Yes, I was extremely ner-vous. I respected Tiffany Lind-say’s [SGA President 2007-2008] leadership highly and I just wanted to be effective. So, I [wondered] how could I be an effective leader. I asked God what His will was for this year and I am trusting in Him every step of the way. BB: How will you set the standard as SGA presi-dent, for Belles that hope to hold your position in the future? MW: The standard I hope to set is one of honesty, realness, openness, the ability to com-municate with people often, and balance working with ad-ministration and students.

“I asked God

what His will

was for this year

and I am trust-

ing in Him every

step of the way.”

- Mesha White

New faculty mingle at mixer

BB: Why did you desire to become SGA president and what does this leadership mean to you?

MW: Every day I served Tiffany Lindsay. In the morning at 7 a.m. we would read the Bible, [and] eat breakfast together in her room. If she needed something I made sure she was comfortable as much as pos-sible. I went above and beyond my position as Public Relations Specialist. I loved to serve. She often would say that I was going to be the next SGA president. I would laugh it off and say, “no I’m not.” She kept speaking it into my life along with other faculty and staff. I had to see it for myself so I asked God to show me the way and my footsteps ended up be-ing lead in this direction. I get to make someone smile, hold someone’s hand, wipe someone’s tears. I motivate,

share my weaknesses and strengths, be real. It means the world to me and it is not a posi-tion I take lightly or for granted. I get to interact with people from all walks of life faculty, staff, administration, spread love and peace. I am grateful for the wonder-ful SGA executive board I work closely with. They keep my dreams and visions focused. I love my Bennett sisters and I love serving them all.

several ideas to improve stu-dent living. “I am pulling things togeth-er to make them [students] comfortable--so they do well academically,” Viltz said. Her plans include building learning centers in residence halls that are equipped with mentors, and providing better scholarships, equipment, and uniforms for athletes. Viltz also plans to bring more sports to the College so the school can qualify to be in the NCAA. Golf and soccer are two sports that are under consid-eration. But, both sports may have to be performed at off-campus locations like high schools or other colleges. Mobley, who has assisted in the hiring of 16 new faculty members, said the opportu-nity for students to have an event similar to the faculty mixer would come in the form of a Town Hall meeting later this semester.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MESHA WHITE

Bennett Belles are Voting Belles

Voting registration in North Carolina ends

October 10th

To register to vote online, visit:

voteforchange.com