49 Hendrix to replace Cobb during renovation by Amy Blankenship Bison editor A portion of the Olen Hendrix building will serve as a temporary dining facility during the spring semester after Patti Cobb closes at the end of this month, President David Burks announced this morning. Patti Cobb will close on Jan. 31 in order to prepare the dormitory for extensive renovation. Beginning this fall, all three floors of Patti Cobb will provide housing for women. Renovation of the American Heritage cafeteria will also be done this spring and summer. Both projects are scheduled to be completed in August. The dining area on the first floor of the Olen Hendrix building can seat about 90 students at one time. Alimited number of items will be served in this location, with food to be prepared in Heritage and transported to the Olen Hendrix kitchen. This alternative to Heritage cafeteria is being offered because of the crowded conditions in Heritage, Burks said. Although it only seats 90, there is an average turnover rate of three times per meal, so theoretically, about 270 students will be able to dine in Olen Hendrix per meal. This facility will only be open during the noon and evening meals. "We're going to try and be as flexible as we can to best serve the students," Burks said. Increased enrollment necessitated that the Patti Cobb renovation be initiated this spring. Last fall, students lived in Patti Cobb to avoid being placed three to a room in Cathcart and Kendall, and projected enrollment figures indicate a need for even more Sophomore Tim Colby utilizes the new service in Patti Cobb Cafeteria. Students may now eat in either cafeteria rather than purchase an exclusive meal ticket. (photo by Michael Rodgers) Chapel policy changes The new regulations concerning chapel attendance will be strictly enforced , according to Dr. Maribeth Downing, associate dean of students and chairperson of the chapel attendance committee. Previous policy stated that students who accumulated more than 10 unexcused absences from chapel would be dropped from classes, though Downing acknowledged that this policy was not strictly enforced. Under the new guidelines, students will be placed on chapel probation with the nth unexcused absence. A12th absence will result in dismissal from the University. Students were notified of the new policy through a memo from the committee, which made the decision on Jan. 19. One or more of the following steps may be taken when a student is placed on probation: 1. No club participation: 2. No club athletic participation; 3. No club Spring Sing participation ; 4. No attendance at club banquets; 5. No use of car; 6. Reassignment of chapel seat ; 7. Ineligible to represent the University in any extracurricular activities; and 8. Moving back on campus if living off campus. The decision concerning which measures will be taken will be made by Downing, Butch Gardner, assistant dean of students and Dr. Tud Altman, vice president for student affairs. rooms in the fall of 1988. Burks noted that denying admission to more women students or placing them three to a room would not only have an immediate impact, but one that would be seen over the next four years. Construction on the dormitory is scheduled to begin about March 1. During February, the interior of the building will be prepared for renovation. All of the rooms will be in suites, and all plumbing and electrical writing will be replaced. The dormitory will also be air-conditioned. The apartment for the manager will be located in the first floor, as will the lobby and study lounges. One hundred and thirty women will be housed in the completed facility. The addition to Heritage cafeteria is also scheduled to begin the first of March. Beginning this fall, this will be the only cafeteria on campus. Heritage currently seats 450, and with the addition of more than 12,000 square feet, will be able to seat about 1,100. The dining areas will be carpeted, which is intended to reduce the noise level and provide a more comfortable atmosphere in which to dine. Also, more ''store fronts" will be added to the cafeteria, giving students more options and shorter lines at each meal. Burks observed that many students may experience some inconvenience during the next three months, but noted that the projects will have many more benefits in the future. "We must constantly grow in advancement and enrichment of student services... ," said Burks. "Providing a top-quality dining facility is a very important service to the students." Swimmers go to Nationals Jack Boustead's swimmers capped off an excellent season by shattering 10 school records in the AIC championships last weekend, in the process qualifying five of their six swimmers for the NAIA Championships in Orlando, Fla. " I don't see how the guys could have swam any better," said Boustead. "The staff has pushed them to their full potential.'' The Nationals will complete a marathon season that began last September with two-a-day workouts. Boustead was aided with the coaching duties this year by Richard Denney, himself a standout swimmer for Harding before he graduated in 1984. Denny teaches in the Searcy school system and helped coach the team as he was available. Particular high points for the team in the championships at Conway were Brian Gainey's wins in the 100 and 200 backstroke (with times of 55.8 and 2: 03.50, respectively), breaking his own school records in those events and placing him on the all-AIC team. Joining Gainey as all-AIC were another freshman, Kirk Woltman, and senior Gary Ashley. Ashley set school records in the 100 and 200 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. Along with those three swimmers, Rusty McAlister and Paul Killingsworth will be going to the Nationals by helping the team qualify in the 400 medley relay and the 800 freestyle relay. Boustead was also proud of his four freshmen divers (Gary Haycraft, Corey Hutson, Patrick Bingham and Dave Park), all of whom were novices to competitive diving. All of them competed in the AIC meet, completing the 11 compulsory dives on the one and threemeter boards, with Hutson placing sixth overall on both boards. Assistant Coach Denney, reflecting on the conference, said "the guys swam exceptionally well. I was unsure how the taper was going after an earlier meet. Gary Ashley surprised me in the 100 butterfly (in which he broke Denney's four year-old record). They're still swimming well and I look forward to equally good nationals." Denney felt rewarded by a letter the coaches received from the athletic director at Hendrix who commended Harding's swimmers not only for their competitiveness but for their sportsmanship and character in the meet with Hendrix. All that is ahead for five of the swimmers is a trip to Orlando right before spring break to compete in the nationals. "Brian has the best chance to be competitive there," said Ashley. "We're going to have fun. The hard part is getting there. The senior Ashley, who is from San Diego, appreciated the competition that the freshmen Woltman and Gainey brought to the team. ' 'They pushed me all season," he said, which may help account for the three school records Ashley set at the AIC's. Ashley was also pleased with the unity that prevailed on the team. "Everyone supported the others, and we seemed to be moving in the same direction.'' The direction next week will be southeast towards Orlando for the Bison swimmers. Though short in numbers, the swim and diving team have proved themselves to be long on heart, and are to be commended for an excellent year.
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