The Rumor Mill

Standardized Snafu:

The traditional liberal arts education includes abstract thinking, classic philosophers and a well-rounded course of studies. But standardized testing? This semester, hundreds of students in Economics, Sociology and the Hart Leadership Program were forced to take the "Collegiate Learning Assessment" test before being allowed to register for classes (an alternate take-home essay was available, which few students chose). Administrators hoped to compare the results to GPA, SAT scores and other factors in order to gauge the effectiveness of recent research initiatives.

Amazingly, RM has learned that Duke, home to some of the finest minds in the world, could not pull off administering a test less complicated than those offered on Saturday mornings at high schools across the country. It turns out that approximately 50 students were given a writing test instead of the critical thinking examination they were expecting. Administrators blame the mix-up on the testing company and insist that they will still be able to see significant results from the correct exams. Still, RM senses a guilty conscience: late last month, every Economics major who took the CLA received a $10 gift certificate, courtesy of the Department.

A Matter of Perspective:

It hasn't been an easy year for President Richard Brodhead. When the lacrosse scandal broke, Brodhead was assailed from both directions-by critics who felt he was slow to condemn a racist campus culture, and by those who felt he rushed to judge the accused lacrosse players. Recent criticism has weighted heavily toward the latter, as more facts about the case come to light. But how do the undergraduates actually feel? At last month's season opening men's basketball game, Brodhead received a spontaneous standing ovation from the thousand-strong student section. Still, bloggers and national columnists continue to attack him virtually every day. One hopes that this acknowledgement of on-campus sentiment does not put RM at the top of the target list.

A New Day:

First, ARAMARK Corp. left campus and didn't look back, After that, Rick's Diner fell on its sword, and then Mad Hatter's pulled out of The Perk. Now, with Alpine's contract expiring in June, sources say that the University is actively exploring replacement options for the company, which runs four on-campus locations including Sanford Deli and Alpine Café at DCRI. Alpine Bagels may have long lines on weekends, but its prime West Union location could be used to attract a larger restaurant or national chain. RM urges administrations to consider that a large portion of the campus female population relies heavily on at least one Alpine offering. One shudders to imagine the effect on campus nutrition if the fro-yo is axed.