Spring Break
SGA talks foreign languages
Deirdre Quinn
Issue date: 3/31/04 Section: News
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One bill dealt with a possible foreign language requirement, which Western Illinois University does not currently have.
"Western needs to keep up with the requirements other schools have," said Senator at-Large Jessica Singh. "I encourage all of you to really think about it."
According to the proposed bill, all arts and sciences students would be required to complete "three years of a foreign language in high school or completion of the second semester college-level foreign language."
Also under the plan, the College of Arts and Sciences would drop three credit hours of general education to compensate for the change.
"I think this is a really great bill. Most companies are looking for bilingual candidates to employ," said Senator at-Large Tracy Katschke.
However, the bill faced some opposition. Senator at-Large Scott Rothenberg said the admissions department is facing a major overhaul and might not be able to handle the change. He added the requirements are too demanding.
"Three years of a foreign language is unheard of in many schools down south in Illinois," Rothenberg said.
The group voted to table the bill until next week to allow for further research and explanation of the possible foreign language requirement.
A bill proposed by SGA President Christopher Mullins-Silverstein was also debated at the meeting. It called for the establishment of outdoor learning areas or gazebos near academic buildings.
Mullins-Silverstein said academic buildings can often become uncomfortable in warmer months, and outdoor learning areas would give classes an option.
"I'm not saying every class will be able to go out whenever they want. Perhaps a small discussion class will be able to sit outside and talk," Mullins-Silverstein said. "We want to make the campus look better and show that this is a learning campus."
Agustin Campos, Student Tenant Union president, said Mullins-Silverstein did not do enough research on the issue especially concerning budgetary issues.
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