SEM 300 takes students Light hits shadowgovt. out of the classroom bv Vince DeFrusclo
assistant news editor
photo by Katie Reing
Senior Aaron Gaskins tutors student at Julioa de Burgos Middle School in North Philadelphia during SEM 300.
by Sharvon Urbannavage assistant perspectives editor
The seminar 300 course, usually taken during junior year, serves to enhance the learning experience beyond the classroom and
into the community. Focussing around the theme "the common good," SEM 300 is a unique educational experience that exemplifies the basis of the core curriculum and is a reflection of the Cabrini College mission to educate both the minds' and the hearts of its students. SEM 300 found its place at Cabrini in 1990 with 13 different courses being offered. These courses were taught by professors of all the academic departments as they are today. Topics for the courses range from altruism to evil, from literature to media, from justice to war and from education to poverty. This course encourages students to consider their roles in society as well as their responsibilities to their community. Recognition of these responsibilities cannot be taught within the confines of the classroom. Students in the course must make a weekly commitment throughout the semester to community involvement related to the theme of their chosen course. The community involvement aspect of the SEM 300 course is not considered to be "required volunteerism: The classroom/community learning experience is the same as an internship, student teaching or a lab in a science course.
• The Bush administration recently unveiled plans to operate a "contingency government" out of an undisclosed location in the event of a catastrophic attack on the nation's capitol. The details of the plan, first reported by The Washington Post, call for between 75 and 100 "senior administration officials'' to be placed securely underground for lengthy periods of time. These officials could be away from their friends and families for upwards of 90 days at a time. One thing that the plan does seem to do is to finn up the line of successors to the president's job. Following Vice-President Dick Cheney would be House Speaker Dennis Hastert, then Sen. Robert Byrd, who is the Senate President Pro Tempore. • The plan, however, is not without controversy, as many leaders on Capitol Hill are disgruntled with the Jack of information they have received. Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott said that "key people. the people in line of succession were briefed or offered a briefing in whole or in part:• and that "certain key staff people were made aware of it." See SHADOW GOVT. page 3
See SEM 300 page 3
Search Retreatto be held for spiritual growthin Appel Farms,N.J. Former Cabrini Campus Minister John DiMucci first introduced Cabrini to the Search Retreat program in the spring semester of Next month, from April 12 to 14, Cabrini 1997. DiMucci imported the program from the College will host its 10th biannual Search University of Scranton and Villanova Retreat. This spring will mark the five-year University. A common misconception of the Search anniversary of the Search's first introduction to Cabrini College by former Campus Minister Retreat is that it is weekend filled with tons of John DiMucci. Campus Ministers Jess Morgan prayer and meditation where only "dorks" and and Fr. Steve Albero are the directors of this those highly religious go to pray all weekend. program and with the help of the two head This, however, is not true. " This year, we are search leaders, Rose Leahy and John Verdi and trying to break all the myths people have set in 8 search leaders, they will send off 32 students their minds concerning the retreat," Rose Leahy, head search leader, said. "We are trying to Appel Farms in Elmer. NJ. Since the program's beginning, over 200 to get more athletes and those of other social Cabrini students have participated in nine groups involved," Leahy said. The weekend is Search Retreats, which has allowed for the a iime to get to know yourself and others a litcontinuation of this unique and valuable expe- tle better. Factoring in what you put into the rience for all Cabrini students to enjoy. The weekend determines what you will get out of Search Retreat is one of the most popular and • the weekend. successful college retreat programs. " I had " We want the campus community to know never done a retreat like this before I came to that Search is for everyone. It is a melting pot Cabrini. I had done other retreats similar to the of students and is not designed for one particuone Cabrini runs but nothing this exciting," lar type of person," Morgan said. Search is a Jess Morgan, campus minister, said. peer-run group, which means that students give by Alexis Strizziere
assistant features editor
the retreat to other ~tudents. Everything that goes on during the- weekend is designed to address the challenges that students face and enable them to integrate what they learn about themselves into their own life, values and spirituality. The Search Retreat aims to help students become in touch with themselves, others and ultimately God. While Search is based on Christian themes, it is open to those of all religious backgrounds. " This weekend is a time to get to know yourself more than anything. You have to keep your mind open when considering going on Search. This weekend is what you make of it and nothing more,'' Morgan said. If Search is something that interests you, the Campus Ministry office is extending the application deadline. The price of the retreat is $35 and a deposit of S 15 is due with the application. The retreat is limited to 32 students. For additional information, you can contact Fr. Steve Albero or Jess Morgan in the Wolfington Center on the first floor of the Widener Center.