Dean Tuttle's
Dean's List
Trinitonian Columns
The following columns were written by David Tuttle for the Trinitonian, Trinity's campus newspaper. Topics range from college success, to parent commuunication, to alcohol issues, and others on vegetarianism, Warren Zevon, golf carts, and basketball.
Upperclass Task Force hopes to promote student health - Apr. 13, 2007
If it were up to me, we wouldn't serve any white bread on campus. In fact, pizza crust, hamburger rolls, sandwich bread and tortillas would all be made with whole wheat. I would do away with doughnut, even though I love them.
Survey responses illustrate student interests, diversity - Mar. 23, 2007
A survey sent to first year students asked their opinion of the online Alcohol Wise course that they were required to take last summer. Among the responses to the one open-ended question ("Please give us any other feedback") was the simple and understated: "Sigh …"
Exemplary faculty routinely provide invaluable resource - Mar. 2, 2007
Though I would prefer students report that their favorite thing about Trinity is the learning that takes place outside of the classroom, or the CosmoGIRL! -lauded residence halls or the easy-to-follow excessive noise policy, I most often hear one constant: Our students love the Trinity faculty.
Scalping - Off the Top - Feb. 16, 2007
I don’t know this for sure, but I assume the term “scalping,” as in selling tickets for profit, developed because the sellers take a little off the top… Get a little somethin’ for themselves.
E-mailing - Feb. 2, 2007
At Trinity University, sending information to students has never been an issue. Getting students to look at it is the problem. Over the last several years, the University has thrown up its collective hands and decided that it is simply our job to send and up to students to open/read (and live with the consequences of accepting the information or not).
Ogg Ode - Jan. 19, 2007
Maybe it was doomed from the start by being named Ogg Hall. It falls from the lips with a thud: part odd, part egg. It was my dorm for three years in college, but more than that, has been a home in my heart ever since. And they are tearing it down.
Mandatory Crossing - Dec. 1, 2006
The kind and gentle crossing guard stands at his post each every morning. He waves to the drivers passing his station, with warm greetings as they scurry by to begin their days. This touching scene of Americana is more than it seems. It is annoying. Really annoying.
Murderball - Nov. 3, 2006
His old high school friends put it this way: “Don’t let Zupan fool you. He was an a**hole before he was in a wheelchair.” He is coming to campus next week, and at least with this speaker, we know exactly what we will be getting.
Soccer Mania - Oct. 20, 2006
Hey look there, in Texas where football is king, there is a new hotbed for college soccer. Football will always be big at Trinity, no question. It is our constant. Recently though, a student said to me that the best thing going is Friday night soccer.
Going Postal - Sept. 29, 2006
An all-call e-mail went out from the Coates Center staff this month asking for colleagues to help out as available at the Mail Center; the overwhelmed staff there needed help catching up. It has been a record year for packages. Thinking “How hard can this be?” I headed over for a quick easy shift away from my daily stress pitching mail. Okay, partly I was hoping to see who receives inappropriate magazines (and to see what the students get too).
Hazing - Sept. 15, 2006
For some reason I can mostly remember the absurdity of it. On an early Saturday morning the student’s father rushed into the hospital, apologizing for his morning breath. He drove in from Houston immediately after the emergency call that his son was taken to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. Not much time for personal hygiene when your child may not live.
Manny and Katie - Sept. 1, 2006
While Trinity University offers an exceptional learning environment for its students, staff members get to learn as well. In June, I had a lesson in what it was like traveling with our students.
Destiny - Aug. 18, 2006
Returning students may appreciate the expansion of the often crowded sidewalk between the Coates University Center and Northrup Hall more than our new students. This was one of about 80 minor Physical Plant/grounds projects completed this summer to improve our campus.
Tuttle Rules - April 28, 2006
Hard as you try not to care, even at age 46 no one wants to be picked on. Coming to work one day last fall to see “Tuttle Rules” painted/polished onto windows at Northrup Hall and the Coates Center was both puzzling and disconcerting. Some thought it was a tribute. I knew better.
Students Need Luck - April 21, 2006
The sound of screeching brakes is pretty scary. There is the squeal and then usually nothing. A quick bump of the heart rate quickly gives way to the realization that everything’s okay.
Event Showcases Talent - March 31, 2006
It’s the perfect Trinity event. Students often speak of their wish to burst the Trinity bubble. Most crave a diverse campus culture. And many want to see a show of campus spirit and unity.
Safe Rides - Feb. 17, 2006
Over the last several years the Association of Student Representatives has attempted to bring a safe-ride program to campus. Their reasons are noble and supported by the administration. No one wants to see injuries or deaths because intoxicated students are driving between off campus parties and the residence halls.
Nightmare - Feb. 3, 2006
I dream Trinity all the time. I assume everyone else here does too – right? In one dream, a former high-level administrator was the kingpin in an adult/pornographic underground, literally beneath the campus.
Trouble Shooters - Jan. 19, 2006
Last fall, Trinity University was featured on the local broadcast news three times because of stories related to student conduct: a party where several students were issued Minor in Possession tickets, drug arrests, and vandalism in Thomas Hall.
Tuttle gives thanks to TU - Nov. 18, 2005
I am thankful for Trinity University. I am thankful for the students - all of them. Even if they don't think I rule. I am thankful for the weight room and the cardio room in the Bell Center, and for the refurbished floor.
Vandals prompt response - Nov. 4, 2005
On behalf of the good residents of Thomas and Lightner Halls, I am challenging a student to a fight. This is unprecedented and a little unusual. I understand. The "Dean of Students Handbook" doesn't really recommend this as an effective way to cultivate student relationships. It doesn't even mention it.
Stupid mistakes provide valuable experience - Oct. 21, 2005
The refrain is more heartfelt and clearer than it was in the past: "I made a stupid, stupid mistake." Monday night hearings with the Student Conduct Board have rarely drawn as much self-criticism from those in trouble as they have this year.
Off-campus parties disturb local residents - Sept. 30, 2005
Songs, salutations, screams and the laughter of guests coming and going into the early-morning hours are extremely annoying and disruptive. For multiple reasons, neighbors worry about students driving drunk. Squealing tires not only are loud, but they don't instill confidence that the drivers are sober. Neighbors also get as irritated about parking on their streets as students do on campus.
Known, unknown heroes offer stories of strength - Sept. 16, 2005
Among us is a student who battles an eating disorder while another grapples with an addiction. A father dies, a brother mourns, a girlfriend grieves, and a young man copes with his parents' divorce. In the time it takes to purchase textbooks several students from Louisiana have suddenly become homeless.
ASR senators strive to improve campus life - Sept. 2, 2005
Since 1994, ASR has initiated or given backing to substantial projects such as the Tigers' Den renovations, the Honor Code, Health Services renovations, card access, cable TV, the Escart, campus recycling and more. Without ASR there wouldn't be a Victory Bell, a Tiger statue, the Murchison computer lab, an New Student Orientation concert or the championship banners in the Bell Center.
Tuttle encourages first years to call TU 'home' - Aug. 19, 2005
For our new students - with hope - our beds will offer comfort, different than home, but comfort nonetheless. For our returning students, now immune to the stress of being new, or knowing which brick building is which, moving back to campus provides comfort as well.
Tuttle pays tribute to Neville - Dec 3, 2004
I will miss Pete’s friendship, his good nature on the basketball court (never mind his obnoxious defense), his skill as a committee facilitator, his detailed editing, the small gifts he would bring for my kids and his humor.
Final column reveals philosophy - Apr 30, 2004
I refuse to automatically microwave anything at a time that ends in a zero or five. I think it’s a cop-out and that sometimes some things should cook for 53 seconds – no more, no less. You don’t appreciate the bend in a fork until you try to eat with a perfectly flat fork.
Dean proposes acequia boat race - Apr 16, 2004
My proposal is that during New Student Orientation, all of the new students bring their own folded paper boats to the acequia at an appointed time, write their names on the boats and put them in the water at the top of the acequia. The first boat to the bottom wins free books for the semester.
TU balances parent involvement - Mar 26, 2004
Over the last decade, parents have made a comeback as universities have learned to work in partnership with parents. Part of this is a direct result of how much an education costs – parents have high expectations for what they pay.
Printed procedures offer clarity - Feb 27, 2004
Students often don’t read the campus judicial procedures until they find themselves facing serious University consequences. Nevertheless, students should acquaint themselves with policies and procedures sometime other than when they are in trouble.
Dean outlines new procedures - Feb 20, 2004
As a starting point, the goal of the University disciplinary process is educational. Students are making the transition from adolescence to adulthood and experiencing independence for the first time in an environment where it should be safe to make mistakes, to learn about choices and consequences and to consider the impact of their behavior on others.
Former drinker offers advice,
reflects on past experience - Jan 30, 2003
Maybe I have something to offer those of you who would be my protégés. I consider myself an expert of the worst kind – I did my own research. I learned that I was one whose college drinking patterns would never change.
Trinity faces universal issues - Dec 5, 2003
We are not alone. Last month I had the privilege of attending a meeting of Student Affairs officers and student government presidents from the Associated Colleges of the South, a group of small private liberal arts institutions.
Fall semester proves typical - Nov 7, 2003
Every semester produces its own set of disheartening issues outside of the classroom. Some of this fall’s incidents include alleged use of date rape drugs, racial slurs, sexual misconduct, drug incidents, drunken students cursing out Alamo Stadium parking attendants, and a Campus Safety officer nearly being run down by an angry student driver.
Trinity revises golf cart policy - Oct 24, 2003
Almost everyone has a golf cart. Purchasing has one because, I assume, they can purchase whatever they want. Ironically, Athletics has a cart. Even the auto mechanics have one. It is the best one, naturally, with 10-inch rims and a 5.5 horsepower motor.
'Undergrounds' provide insight - Oct 3, 2003
It is easy to express one’s opinion under the cloak of anonymity, be it on a Web page, a newsletter or even on a dry-erase board. People make their own choices to read what they want and to consider the source.
Artists, music play vital role in
developing self during college - Sep 12, 2003
College is a time when young people often figure out who they are, how they want to be, what they value and what they feel. College students learn to be independent, to be intellectual, to be political and to be social, among other things. Students learn who their friends really are and how important they can be, in good times and bad.
Dean Tuttle masters fine art of
post-championship celebration - Sep 5, 2003
So there I was, Game Six, decked out in my lucky Spurs gear, standing on my seat celebrating as the clock ran down. But I kept my wits about me and made several important decisions. First, I wanted to capture the moment, so I called my voice mail so I would get a message the next day of the crowd and Queen singing “We are the Champions."
Fellow students offer advice - Aug 22, 2003
“Students are adults, but we’ve entered a new stage of life where we can either grow away from or closer to the most important adults in our lives: our parents. Keep in touch with your parents, not just ritualistically calling them, but really keep in touch.”
Trinity awakens to good morning - Apr 25, 2003
It's morning at Trinity, and my colleagues are heading to their offices knowing they are creating the best possible educational experience for our students. It is a group that works exceptionally well together, has fun together, celebrates one another's life milestones together, and has an important voice in shaping the identity of the university for years to come.
Families 'loan' students to TU - Mar 28, 2003
Can their families know them the way we do - the daily ups and downs, the hard work, the growth, the failures, the successes and the maturity? They may be shocked if they knew the whole truth - but mostly they would be impressed - and so are we.
TU's March Madness hits IMs - Mar 21, 2003
Over the years there have been a number of employees playing in the Wreck League and at informal "noonball" pick-up games during the week. Faculty members have been rumored to even set their class schedules so as to be free MWF at noon.
Alcohol philosophy put to use - Feb 28, 2003
The new policy recommended by the Alcohol Task Force has received attention primarily because it proposes the elimination of dry halls (allowing 21 year-old students to drink in all of their upperclass residence halls) and the elimination of the prohibition on hard alcohol.
Tuttle ponders Bubble theory - Feb 7, 2003
For some, there is the notion that the Bubble protects Trinity from the rest of the world - TU equals Trinity Utopia. The argument is that the Bubble offers a false sense of security: everything a student needs is here.
Student leaders lack testosterone - Jan 24, 2003
I used to be a guy. I eventually saw the light though, and knew I needed more. So I chose to turn my life over to a higher power: I got married. You still have time, though.
Man on top delivers goods
to workers below, literally - Dec 6, 2002
Meet Andy Willis, crane operator at the Northrup Hall construction site. ... Andy invited me to climb up and see his cab (with appropriate clearance of course). I had to decline because of my fear of heights. Actually, I like heights; it's death I fear.
American Smoke-Out provides
Stephanie Spahr chance to quit - Nov 15, 2002
I used to smoke when I was in college. My friend Sandy Grove took me to a campus film called "Casablanca," introducing me to the best movie ever made. I immediately identified with the main character - Richard Blaine - the chain-smoking heroic patriot and downtrodden victim of a heartless woman.
$24,000 question presents
new price, no easy answer - Nov 1, 2002
For University staff, the challenge is to keep the $24,000 question from becoming a $30,000 question. To compete for students, universities are engaged in a war of amenities, thus driving costs and expectations higher.
Vegetarians receive flack from
public on stereotypical image - Oct 18, 2002
I find myself under siege by meat-eaters a lot. Most times, when people find out I am a vegetarian, they want to fight me, or at least challenge my choice. When they are really desperate they accuse me of killing plants, which they claim have feelings. I have feelings too.
Students learn under fire - Oct 4, 2002
The recent late-night false fire alarms in the residence halls have provided tremendous educational opportunities for our students. And so they learn. ... Academic disciplines such as political science, sociology, philosophy, and communication offer fertile ground for students to not only consider and discuss abstract concepts, but also apply them to real campus experiences.
E-mail addict begins recovery - Sep 20, 2002
I excitedly show my e-mail folder management system to my glassy-eyed new employees. I even have a response arsenal: informational, clever, wise, terse, in your face, and understated, to name a few. Not only do I have a response arsenal, I have even categorized it.
Residence hall life offers
more lessons in living - Sep 6, 2002
The Residential Life staff wants to improve the on-campus living experience. One aspiration is to purposefully teach the value of diversity to first year students. ... We want students to learn in the halls, not just to live in them.
Take advantage of 'do-over' campus - Aug 23, 2002
I hope you get it right this time. This is the type of University where parents wish they could go to school if they got a second chance. Me too. I call it a great "do-over" campus, with all the advantages of engaging professors, outstanding facilities, exciting lectures, decent rooms, and pretty good food.