middbriefs

Author: Chi Zhang

Blogger responds to Midd relationship debate

The College's recent discussion regarding a student-faculty relationship policy has made an appearance in DankProfessor, a blog by Barry Dank, emeritus professor of Sociology at California State University, Long Beach. With an academic specialization in sexual politics, in particular student-faculty relationships, Dank is devoted to "protecting the values of freedom of association and privacy on university campuses and beyond," and has "openly engaged in propinquitous dating" himself, according to his blog.

In an entry dated Nov. 9, Dank responded to Tracy Himmel-Isham and Jon Isham's The Middlebury Campus op-ed ("Professor-student relationship policy needed at Middlebury"). Besides dismissing such policy attempts as over-protective, meddling and lacking in trust and respect, Dank also uses empirical evidence to counter the stereotypical stigma against student-faculty relationships.

"In the real world, many parents are delighted that their daughter has affiliated with a university professor," wrote Dank. "I personally have never met a parent who disapproved of my dating their daughter - being welcomed into their family was the norm."

Junior wins prestigious Pickering fellowship

Alexander Hall '08.5 has been selected as a Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellow, awarded by the United States Department of State. As a fellow, Hall will complete a Summer Institute Program in public policy and international affair, two summer internships and a master's degree in international studies, culminating in four-and-a-half years of service as a Foreign Service officer. The fellowship will also provide full funding for Hall's last two years at Middlebury College.

An International Politics and Economics major from Stillwater, Minn., Hall is one of 20 new Pickering fellows for 2007. He was selected from more than 500 applicants, according to the Woodrow Wilson Institute, which administers the program for the State Department.

Pickering fellows receive their foreign service assignments on completion of their master's programs. Hall said he is open to just about any assignment, but would be especially interested in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia or Central America.

Library debuts fresh checkout technology

Occupying a prominent position on the circulation desk of the New Library, the silver device with infrared laser scanner, otherwise known as the self-service checkout machine, has become a familiar sight to most library-goers over the past few weeks.

With instructions in English, German and Spanish, this recently-acquired device allows users to scan and desensitize library materials, and produces a receipt at the end of a transaction stating the due date of the checked-out items.

The $15,000 addition to the routine circulation service is meant to provide library users with an alternative means of checking out library items.

"It is an alternative for people who are in a hurry or who wish to maintain privacy in this small community," said Elin Waagen, circulation services manager. "But above all we just want to give people a choice."