LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Brian R. Peterson, M.D.,
I am writing in response to the letter to the editor which was published in The Eagle (Vol. XXVII, No. 10, Feb. 16, 2006). In his letter, Dr. Peterson made three specific points and I hope to address each through my response.
Let me start by relating a conversation that occurred earlier this week. I was with family and friends celebrating a birthday and had the opportunity of speaking with a recent Carbon High graduate. Being the advocate for CEU that I am, I asked him where he would be attending college next fall and what his major would be. He told me he loved music and would most likely attend Snow College. I said, Snow College, why Snow College? He said that Dr. Benson had recommended Snow College. Of course, I then wondered why Dr. Benson would recommend Snow College. His response was that he currently participates with the Wind Symphony at CEU and had been advised that while CEU did not really have anything more to offer him, Snow had a great music program where his talent could be improved.
I have no reason to doubt the word of this individual, and while I appreciate Dr. Benson for being honest with his assessment and acting in the best interest of this student and his future education and career goals, that future does not include CEU.
While this is just one anecdotal experience, it illustrates a statistically backed problem. In fall semester 2001, enrollment in wind symphony was 21 students; five of these students were on band scholarship. In fall semester 2004, enrollment in wind symphony was 13 students; six of these students were on instrumental music scholarships. In fall 2005, enrollment in wind symphony was eight students; seven of these students were on music/instrumental scholarship. The number of students on scholarship is significant since class enrollment is a requirement for receiving the scholarship Currently six students are enrolled in wind symphony.
This information is not given to disparage Dr. Benson in any way, as I know the countless hours he volunteers to the development of his program, as do so many others. Dr. Benson, and others like him, simply do not have the resources to compete with programs like Snow College. I doubt he had any money in his budget for recruitment, very little for equipment and his program survives in a condemned building. The question then is, should CEU be all things to all people or should the college seek to do some things better than anyone else?
Finally, let me tell you what the Statement of Expectations has accomplished. Since the statement came out, the mens and womens basketball team have a 5 ” 1 record. The dance department provided excellent half time entertainment at the home games as judged by numerous students in attendance. Ten residents of Burtenshaw Hall were asked about the quality of food service since the statement became public and all concurred a marked improvement in the noontime meal. The human resource office has come out with a customer service program for college staff. The athletic drug testing policy is being implemented, a chair has been named, and the committee has conducted a meeting. The task force President Thomas formed has met weekly and is addressing all the expectations.
I commend President Jesse Holt and all ASCEU leadership for daring to make a difference by drafting and presenting the Statement of Expectations. I commend President Thomas for creating the task force that is addressing these issues, and look forward to the solutions that will fulfill the desired outcomes as outlined in the Statement of Expectations.
Thank you, Dr. Peterson, for your past support of the college as well as your continuing efforts to address the expectations of our students.
Sincerely,
Bill Osborn