I, Curtis

This evening I was reviewing the syllabus for my literature course, trying to get an idea about due dates and what type of work load I should be prepared for. When I opened the syllabus, I looked for the "Evaluation" section, the standard place for finding such information. I found no such section of the syllabus, and the information is no where else on the syllabus. I am now in a slight worry, since the syllabus is essentially the contract on which a college course operates.  Why would an instructor not include it? I have too much active course work for this one instructor to throw unexpected variables into things because of a lack of information on the syllabus.

I just took my first attempt at the first quiz in American History. It didn’t take me long, about 25 minutes for 20 questions  (out of 30 minutes allowed). I was a little uncertain about it going in, but I did relatively well. I don’t really love history, but don’t hate it either. I got an 16/20 on the first attempt. I get to try once more, and then two scores get averaged. Maybe I will get them all correct and still manage to get an A on the first quiz. On the more positive side of things, I have earned 1.5 points of extra credit (on a 200 pt scale).

A quick email to Dr. Dellinger this morning fixed all of my problems. Proper forms are on file with the registrar to recognize my HIS-131 as "in progress", and Dr. Dellinger defended my change of course for the literature course to the registrar.

At some point the Associate in General Education disappeared from my "programs" list at Gaston College. With the letter I just received I wonder if perhaps something was done to cause problems for that degree as well. It was already complete when I turned in the documentation, I was just waiting for a semester to end so I could receive it. At last notice, it was done and I just have to go pick it up on September 15th. It’s sudden disappearance from WebAdvisor makes me a little nervous, I’m waiting for my record to fall apart.

I suppose it could be gone because it just isn’t "active" anymore…

Today in the mail I received a fun little notice from Gaston College:

August 25, 2008 Dear Student: Our records indicate that you did not complete the required course work indicated on your Petition for Graduation form for your degree. This deficiency in your record prohibits you from receiving your degree at this time. However, we invite you to take this Fall 2008 semester to complete your requirements for graduation. If you feel an error has been made in the computation of your academic work, please contact the office of Records and Registration at 704-922-6232. Sincerely, Lynn Dellinger

 

First of all, "Dear Student:"… if I really cared about the degree much, I might be a little more freaked at this point than "Dear Student:" would be good enough for. Next, I have two degrees outstanding, which one? (btw, adding another to the record soon). Finally, umm.. "what requirement?". The letter is a little vague.

I called the registrar’s office and asked what was up. First of all, I was asked for my name, and not my student ID number, then I heard some papers rustling, followed by being told what was missing.  So for once, personal service. I found out I was missing HIS-131 (duh!) on my Associate of Arts. This is of course due to the part where Gaston can not yet see CPCC’s registration records to be able to know that I am registered for it. Next, I seem to be in the wrong literature course. I stated on my Petition for Graduation that I would be taking ENG-231… well, my plans changed, and I’m in ENG-131 instead. 131 is a much wider course that doesn’t use as much Shakespeare.

The registrar had a solution to both problems for me, first, remember to send a transcript from CPCC at the end of the semester for HIS-131 (I also sent a copy of my schedule to them earlier). For the literature course, it is a little more difficult. I have to seek approval of my dean for a "course substitution". Not happy about that, but I guess I have to. The courses are identical in effect on the degree,  with the exception of after a petition has been filed apparently.

Tomorrow I get  to apply to enter the Associate in Fine Arts degree program, get the authorization of a dean to change courses and check with the registrar to make sure they haven’t shredded my degree petition. 

Today I went shopping for supplies for my sculpture project. I first went to Hobby Lobby, where I was originally in search of "Sculptamould". I found none. After a bit of browsing and amusing myself with looking at electric trains, model truck kits (btw, if anyone sees an F350 kit, please let me know), drawing supplies and a variety of other things, I ran into the 5/8" dowels that I am going to use to make my staff. My staff will be over 6ft tall and supported by a really cool stand. After picking up my rods I found something else I liked, a mould for a face… I know I can integrate that into the project. I debated on getting some plaster of Paris, decided not to get it, until I saw the mould, then I changed my mind. Also picked up some paints and other odds and ends. Headed off to Lowe’s after that. I had to pick up a metal rod for my ceramics project, its similar to my staff project, except its called a "garden totem". I got some rebar, since I thought the green metal garden stakes that the instructor originally recommended were too wimpy. At Lowe’s I also picked up the stuff I needed to make my stand for my staff.

Tomorrow I get to go in and start working on both projects. I’m feeling overwhelmed, but excited as well. Sculpture is a whole new world for me.

Monday was my first real day in the studios at Gaston College and I found myself in a familiar, but yet totally strange environment. First of all, there is a huge age range in the studios. The youngest student is 18, she just graduated from high school and is starting a degree in art education. There are also some people who are about my age, a few of us anyway. Then there are the middle-aged types, they decline to give their age. Finally, there are the people who are in the class under the North Carolina laws for free tuition for senior citizens. I love having such a range of people, it makes for a more interesting class.

After the people, I noticed the equipment. There are fewer kilns at Gaston, mostly because it is a smaller department. There are also some things I didn’t expect. Someone finally figured out the solution to mixing dry mix… it isn’t a 6ft wooden paddle, it is a cement mixer. It mixes clay dry mix very well. The studio is overall more clean than the studio at UNCC. It is a little more home feeling as well. There is plenty of space, but we are all very obviously in the studio together. I love the fact that the wheels aren’t lined up against the walls, they are in a circle off in the corner (with a few spares in other places). Ceramics is very social at Gaston.

In general, I love the studio and am looking forward to learning some handbuilding techniques this semester. 

After spending many hours pouring over lists of artists, I selected one to discuss for my Art History II course. I selected Eddie Kent, a British potter. http://www.pots-n-things.co.uk/

I like his style, it is very simple, but at the same time has a lot of expression. His glazes are also very simple and highlight the features of the piece instead of trying to cover them up.