Month: April 2016

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The Story Behind Grove City College’s Supreme Court Case

On one of my first visits to Grove City College, way back in the spring of 2012 as a prospective student, I was approached by a member of the Office of Admission. This staff member asked me if I knew about the Supreme Court case that Grove City had participated in during the 1980s. I had not and told him so. He then gave me the typical (and perfectly good) short 1-2 sentence explanation of what that case entailed. “It allowed us to refuse federal funding. It was really a big deal.” Upon hearing this, I was satisfied with the explanation and did not think about the case again, except of course to give the same short explanation to anyone who was asked me about my college or to future prospective students.

Fast forward to 2016. I am a senior political science major going on to law school and I know nothing more about Grove City College’s glorious Supreme Court victory than I did four years ago. To give honor to my major and my future career and to inform the masses about what this case really means for our school (especially for students and their families), I did some digging. Hopefully this short summary will give you what I have so desperately lacked for four years: a deeper explanation of the actually extremely meaningful and valuable thing that is Grove City College v. Bell.

Grove City College in 1983 was not so different than it is today. At the time, the College did not accept any federal funding, and thus, thought they should be able to refuse to sign the federal government’s standard “assurance of compliance” form (“COURT TO DECIDE CASE ON SEX BIAS”, 1983). Basically, signing this form means that the College would agree to follow all government policies. Of course, Grove City College did not want to do this. So, they had a long standing battle with the government as to whether Grove City College could be forced to sign and comply with this form. The Supreme Court of the United States decided that yes, since the college received federal funding in the avenue of student federal loans, the College’s compliance could be compelled only in financial aid office (Lascell). Then the 1984 Congress, not particularly liking the ability of Grove City College to ignore other federal regulations, passed a bill saying that if any part of the school has federal connections, the entire school must comply with all federal regulations. So, the College responded by refusing any dollar of federally touched money: grants, loans or otherwise.

So, what does this mean for us today?

  1. Generally, we are exempt from federal regulations.
  2. Our financial aid office does not accept any federal loans or grants. Rather, we have our own programs for those students in need.
  3. We are free to promote faith as we choose.
  4. We limit student indebtedness.
  5. Our athletic statistics are not monitored by the federal government.
  6. We stand by our pillars of “faith and freedom”.
  7. The federal government cannot track demographics of our students.

Just by attending GCC, I already knew my college had strong principles. However, we then choose to truly live by those principles. In the words I have heard many times at this institution, “Faith and freedom matter.” Yes, they certainly do.

Here’s a great video that sums up the whole case!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTCOa9KT7L4&w=560&h=315]

Works Cited

“COURT TO DECIDE CASE ON SEX BIAS.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 Feb. 1983. Web. 02 Apr. 2016.

Lascell, David M. “Grove City v. Bell.” GROVE CITY COLLEGE v. BELL:(n.d.): n. pag. Grove  City College. Web. 02 Apr. 2016.

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Grove City College’s Legacy of Affordability

Harbison Chapel at Grove City, an affordable christian college

For the first time in 18 years, Grove City College has made the executive decision to have a 2.95 percent increase in their overall tuition cost. In order to offset the cost of consumable laboratory materials, the College will charge students affiliated with lab courses a $100 fee for laboratory supplies. The College will be implementing this fee in the fall of 2016, giving students enough time to process the financial increases with upcoming scheduling. Students of all majors are to be impacted by the $100 fee, through the College’s liberal arts vision, making it mandatory for each student to complete two science courses upon graduating.

According to President McNulty, there are two specific reason for the raise in lab fees. First, the consumable products affiliated with labs are of a significant expense to the College. The executive board believes that these materials ought to be paid by someone and altogether surpass the budget of what normal tuition prices cover, that being the salary of professors. Second, in terms of fairness, the lab fees mirror the principle of not charging students for the education of others. The lab fee will answers questions of impartiality, selectively targeting students who participate in labs.

Due to the increase’s premature notice, there has not been a large amount of initial feedback. McNulty desires to ensure administration, faculty and students that other departments were considered for monetary increases, which have not been pursued at this time. For example, independent studies are offered to students at no additional charge. Supplementary costs, including extra payments for professors, are paid for by the College, not students individually. McNulty states, “Affordability has taken a hit in most colleges, with the average college tuition rising 3.5 percent annually.” Grove City College strives to not lose their financial distinction by stabilizing the tuition, which they have proven successful in the last 18 years.

McNulty along with the executive board frequently reviews the budget, taking the college’s statement of affordability seriously. In order to satisfy students’ high expectations of a rich and rewarding education, engaging professors and welcoming facilities there are numerous fiscal challenges that emerge. If the College just focused on affordability, then faculty, classes and campus activities would be significantly decreased and possibly cut from the overall budget. According to McNulty, “Grove City College, from a Christian perspective, is driven toward combining affordability with academic excellence.” Such a statement has been reflected in the College’s significantly low tuition rate compared to its competitors, including private and public schools.

Lee Wishing III, Administrative Director of The Center for Vision & Values, further deliberates this concern by tapping into the College’s history. Referencing the vision of the College’s founding board of trustees, Wishing reflects upon a quote stated by Joseph Newton Pew (President of the Board of Trustees), Isaac S. Ketler (Founding President), and Samuel P. Harbison (Trustee), which can be identified on a stained glass window in Harbison Chapel. The statement reads, “We dedicate this college to the development of sound scholarship and Christian character in all aspiring youth,” Wishing confidently states that such a declaration is indicative of the trustees’ notion of providing accessible and affordable education to all aspiring youth.

“Despite the ever-present tension of providing a great education within affordable means, Grove City College from a business perspective has been and continues to be a remarkable place,” states Wishing. From Pew’s original vision of no federal funding to the current increasing inflation rates of today’s economy, the College has remained strong in its roots. Opposed to being federally funded, the College’s revenue primarily streams from fundraising and student tuition and fees. Grove City College is driven towards exposing false perceptions of value and personal validations by offering students an academic experience where the integration of faith, learning and financial practice is ever so present. 

 

Picture found from Google images.

 

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Student Research Spotlight: Female Engineers in Anderson Lab | 2

For engineering students interested in research, there are many opportunities to get involved, both on and off campus! In fact, nearly 25% of engineering students at Grove City College are involved in some type of research or independent study. Many of these students work in ‘Anderson Lab’ with Dr. Anderson, one of Grove City College’s mechanical engineering professors. Every school year, he has between 10-15 students doing research for him for 1-3 credits. He also has students working with him at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Massachusetts each summer. This semester, Dr. Anderson has 12 students working in his lab on 7 different project.

Below is an interview with one of the female engineering students who has done research with Dr. Anderson. She shares more information on her research project and some benefits of doing research.  For another interview with a student doing research with Dr. Anderson, check out this post.

 

Kimberly Schlabach – Electrical Engineering and Mathematics ‘16

Schlabach 1
Kimberly Schlabach – Senior Electrical Engineering and Mathematics Major

What’s your project?

Spring semester of 2015, I was involved in the ant research project – automatic tracking and monitoring ant behavior through video. My job has been to improve the particle identification portion of the ant tracking code. In other words, I have written filters to help distinguish ants from other moving particles, such as grass.

How did you get involved in this research?

In the fall, I was looking for a one credit engineering elective. I received an email from Dr. Anderson that had been sent to all the engineering students. The email was looking for students who wanted to investigate biology through engineering-based research. I thought independent research would be a fascinating way to earn a one-credit engineering elective, so I responded to the email. After the interview process, Dr. Anderson found a good fit for me in the image processing side of ant research project.

What skills (technical or non-technical) have you used the most during your research experience?

I had a basic knowledge of image analysis and programming which both served me well in my research. However, Dr. Anderson was extremely helpful and patient in teaching me the additional information I needed to know for the first part of the semester. He was also very accessible throughout the semester if I ever had questions or problems.

What are some benefits of doing research?

Before joining the Anderson Lab, I had no serious interest in research. However, working on a project that other scientists are also investigating has inspired me, and I could see myself doing research after graduation.

My favorite part of working in the lab has been brainstorming with Dr. Anderson and Dr. Mohr. Working in the lab has been very beneficial because it has helped me think outside the box, build my self-confidence and open my mind to the idea of research as a future job interest.

How has doing research shaped your plans for after graduation?

I have already accepted a non-research related job when I graduate in May. However, my research at Grove City was great experience. In just one semester, we had very positive results. I was inspired by how simple and prevalent it was to apply my engineering skills to study God’s creation. If I have the opportunity to do research in the future, I will seriously consider it.

Schlabach 5
Research screenshots, from left to right: Without the filter, every object is identified; with the filter, two ants correctly identified; comparison with and without the filter

To learn more about Grove City College’s Mechanical Engineering program, visit the department page!

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Best Study Spots at Grove City College

Because Grove City College is an academically rigorous institution, studying is a must. In order to effectively hit the books, it is necessary to find the right study spot. As a senior, I have been able to find a few places that have worked well over the past four years.

  1. The Library

    Henry Buhl Library (Picture from Pinterest)

One obvious place to work on homework is the library. Henry Buhl Library, located by the Technical Learning Center (TLC) and the guys’ dorms, is a great place to get in the zone and crank out some work. The stacks, the individual desks lined along the walls next to shelves of books, are especially great for shutting out distractions, allowing you to study for that test or write that paper. The large tables in the main room and the reference room outside of the stacks are also study friendly, but expect a few more distractions there than in the stacks.

2. The Hall of Arts and Letters

The Hall of Arts and Letters (HAL), the main academic building, is also a great place to study. This is one of my favorite spots to sit and delve into some work. There are large tables on the first floor that work well, and there are also smaller individual tables and lounge chairs on the second floor. In the evening, you can also sign out a classroom with others for a more secluded study space. This can be great for working on group projects, or just enjoying the company of friends.

3. The Student Union

The Student Union, the hub of campus life, is another place that can work well for studying. This is less of an academic space and more of a relaxed, social environment. Lots of chatter goes on, so if you have assignments that do not require a lot of focus, the Student Union is the perfect place to go. If you get hungry, head right on over to the Gedunk, the food area within the Student Union, and take a study break.

4. Beans on Broad

Beans on Broad
Beans on Broad (Picture from http://oliveoiloverdose.blogspot.com)

If you’re looking to go off campus, the local coffee shop, Beans on Broad, is within walking distance and can be a nice environment to get homework done. Located right on Broad Street, this coffee joint offers a social yet relaxing environment with delicious brews, which always helps in the pursuit of homework. I enjoy finding a table, putting in some headphones and sipping my coffee.

There are many other places on campus and around campus that are conducive to studying. It really all depends on your study environment preference, but no matter the type of space you require, Grove City has plenty of spots to offer to help you feel comfortable while getting those assignments completed.

Check out this virtual tour of Grove City College and get a closer look at these great study spots!

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Career Spotlight: Anna Grassel Lands Position With Federated

Anna Grassel is a senior Marketing Management major at Grove City College. Recently, Anna landed a highly-sought after position working in sales at Federated Investors in Pittsburgh, PA.

Federated is a massive financial services company with its headquarters located in Pittsburgh. The company was founded in 1957, and manages about $364.1 billion of customer assets. Grassel is this financial powerhouse’s latest hire.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Grassel to talk with her about the process of landing the job, and the role the GCC Career Services Office played in the process.

The interview is below:

(Nathan) When were you first interested in working in Sales, and how did you know this was the career path you wanted to pursue?

(Anna) Two words: Professor Kocur. I took his upper level business sales class. Initially I thought it would be an “easy A.” However, I was naive into all that goes into being a successful sales associate. His passion for sales was contagious. His passion for sales couples with his experience working for GlaskoSmithKline translated into a valuable sales class.

I knew sales was for me because I love working with people! The psychology behind sales is fascinating. Beyond that, I work well against a set of goals – and that is a crucial aspect of sales. The results in sales are tangible. That is very motivating for me.

How, or where did you hear about Federated?

Federated Investors has an amazing reputation in Pittsburgh. Being a Pittsburgh native, I was familiar with them because of their involvement in the community. I have always been intrigued by the financial industry and Federated Investor’s reputation precedes itself. So they were at the top of my list when looking at companies in Pittsburgh.

Did you intern with them?  Did you think that hurt/helped your chances of getting in, or just motivated you more?

This is a funny story. I applied for a marketing internship with them my junior year. Unfortunately, I got turned down for the position. It was very motivating. From that point forward, I was determined to get more experience in the financial industry and refine my skill set to be a stellar applicant for them in the future. At the end of the day it was a blessing in disguise because I got connected with the right department within Federated.

What were the initial steps you took to break into to the Federated team?

Before I began I direct dialogue with the company personnel, I utilized Grove City College’s alumni network to connect with alums who worked in the company. Everyone I was in contact with was very encouraging and had nothing but positive things to say about Federated. This really confirmed my interest.

Next, they were coming to the Career Fair. I went and bought a rocking black suit, personalized my resume – stating a firm interest in the company, and I researched the company and opening they had listed on there website. They were the first and only company I spoke with at the Career Fair. I went in with a reasonable next step in mind. By that I mean, I asked her about open positions and expressed an interest in job shadowing. She connected me with the director of sales at Federated. And Grove City, being the amazing college it is, actually was hosting Federated for an informational meeting in a few weeks. I made sure I went to that, went there early to get face-to-face time with the Sales representatives present. After that I went to Pittsburgh the following week to job shadow. After talking to the people and seeing the work environment  I fell in love with the company. However, at that time they were not hiring, but they were encouraging about keeping the dialogue open. A few months later they contacted me for an interview for an internal sales position. The rest is history!

How did the CSO office or connections from Grove City assist you in creating a relationship with the Federated team?

The Career Service Office at Grove City College rocks my socks off! Mrs. Vago, Career Service Counselor, was a professional and emotional support during this entire process. She helped me prepare an elevator pitch and was always willing to review my resume. The most important career advice she gave me was always having a reasonable next step in mind. By that she meant going to the Career Fair and have in mind job shadowing. I think this was important because it is hard to have realistic expectations. I would not have my job if it were not for her!

It seems like you really fostered a frequent flow of communication with the Federated team during this process.  Practically, (maybe give an example of how you kept up communication) what did that look like?

I am surprised they did not file a restraining order against me 🙂 There definitely is a fine line between being pushy vs. persistent. Every time I could reaffirm my interest and give tangible examples of how I could provide value to the company was essential. In my communication my goal was to be personable. Every person I came in touch with I followed up with an email thank you note, as well as a handwritten thank you note. I was intentional to say what they had taught me and why I thought I would be a good fit.   

When do you think was the real breakthrough moment that got your “foot in the door”?

Going down and job shadowing definitely put me on the map. It showed I was serious about the company. Really, it allowed me to look at the people who worked there. After meeting my potential future colleagues I could see how they were driven (and fashionable) people. They were happy and the security guards were friendly. It was evident that people had an enjoyable working environment and took ownership of their work.

Contrasting this to other places I interviewed at was night and day. Federated has a corporate environment, but is intentionally personable. It really is the best of both worlds.

When did the interview process start for you?

I interviewed on Christmas break in December.  

Any advice for someone hoping to land a job like yours?

Take Professor Kocur’s sales class and start the job hunt fall semester of your senior year! Many companies hire early. Also, build a strong relationship with the Career Service Office at Grove City.

To follow Anna on LinkedIn, find her profile here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annagrassel

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Student Research Spotlight: Female Engineers in Anderson Lab | 1

For engineering students interested in research, there are many opportunities to get involved, both on and off campus! In fact, nearly 25% of engineering students at Grove City College are involved in some type of research or independent study. Many of these students work in ‘Anderson Lab’ with Dr. Anderson, one of Grove City College’s mechanical engineering professors. Every school year, he has approximately 10-15 students doing research for him for 1-3 credits. He also has students working with him at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Massachusetts each summer. This year, there are 12 students working in Anderson Lab on seven different projects.

Below is an interview with one of the female mechanical engineering students currently doing research with Dr. Anderson. She shares more information on her research project and some benefits of doing research. For another interview with a student doing research with Dr. Anderson, check out this post.

Ellen Turner – Mechanical Engineering ‘17

What’s your project?

Turner 1
Turner at the lab at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) next to the high speed flume used to swim the bluefish.

In the Anderson Lab, I am working on resonance in the swimming of striped bass, largemouth bass, and bluefish. I process data representing the motion of the fish’s tail while it was swimming at different speeds and record the amplitude and frequency of the tail beat as well as speed and acceleration of the fish. All the processed data is then plotted to show trends in the relationships between amplitude, frequency and speed.

How did you get involved in this research?

I was invited to join the lab by Dr. Anderson when I applied to work with him over the summer doing similar research.

What skills (technical or non-technical) have you used the most during your research experience?

The ability and willingness to learn a lot of new things is a huge part of it. I knew how to code in MATLAB (a computing language mechanical engineering students learn) from my classes, but the other programs used in the lab I had to learn, but it’s not difficult. Dr. Anderson and all the other students in the lab are willing to help out anyone who has questions. My presentation skills have also improved dramatically from presenting my work done in the lab.

What are some benefits of doing research?

Anderson Lab has been an amazing opportunity for me and has opened my eyes to other paths I can take with a mechanical engineering degree beyond manufacturing. I’ve reevaluated my plan for the future to include the potential of further schooling because of how much I have enjoyed conducting research in my short time with the lab.

Turner 3
Still image from a video of swimming bluefish at 1.2 m/s used in Turner’s research.

Have you done research off-campus, like at a summer internship?

Last summer, I continued doing research with Dr. Anderson at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). I worked on trailing edge analysis and fish frequency while also assisting with other research projects. This coming summer, I’ll be doing research at Vanderbilt University as part of an REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program.

How has doing research shaped your plans for after graduation?

In the future I could see myself continuing with research of any kind either working for an institution or moving on to grad school and conducting research there. Working in Anderson Lab has shown me that I really enjoy putting my efforts into research.

To learn more about Grove City College’s Mechanical Engineering program, visit the department page!

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An Inside Look At Grove City College’s Admitted Student Day

Grove City College’s Admitted Student Day offers high school students (already accepted) an academically exclusive experience at the College. Students are given the opportunity to meet the administration, faculty, future classmates and roommates. There are a plethora of activities scheduled including a welcome from President McNulty, Student and Parent Panel, Mock Classes, Internship and Career Panels, etc. The College seeks to confirm students’ decisions by the end of the event filled day, in hopes to offer students a new home in August.

Admitted Students 2

This year’s Admitted Student Day on April 2 was attended by over 300 students with over 900 guests (20 states represented). The top majors of the Class of 2020 include Mechanical Engineering, Accounting and Biology. According to Sarah Gibbs, Director of Admissions, “The purpose behind Admitted Student Day is to provide an authentic collegian experience to future students, giving them the opportunity to take a deeper look at their major’s department, meet future classmates and experience the friendly atmosphere.” Students are given the opportunity to make their final decisions by visiting the table for the Office of Admissions where they can deposit their checks. Steve Vago, Senior Admissions Counselor, emphasizes that it is crucial that current GCC students be themselves during the course of the day, exercising and displaying the College’s distinguishable friendly reputation. Gibbs and Vago have seen positive results and have received encouraging feedback, specifically from parents who found Student Life and Learning’s involvement with the Parent and Student Track Sessions along with the Student and Parent Panels very accommodating.

Admitted Students 1

Alec Gehman, future mechanical engineer in the Class of 2020, expressed that the role of Christianity along with the importance of faith was really evidenced throughout the day’s activities, which even further encouraged his decision. Father of Gehman, Bare states, “The involvement of the President, Faculty and Career Services made the experience surreal, truly displaying the College’s inclusive and pristine character.” A couple, who desires to remain anonymous, stated that they have seen the progressing role faith continues to play in the life of their daughter, who currently attends GCC, and are excited to have their son attend the College as a political science major. After attending the Admitted Student Day for a second time, they enjoyed returning back to GCC to learn about a different department where their son can succeed academically being trained in a school whose political views are in alignment with a moral and sacred worldview. After conducting numerous interviews with the administration, students and parents it appears that this year’s Admitted Student Day has outdone itself!