Last Astronomy Lab Offered Summer I Term

Arts & Entertainment Editor

   By the time the fall 2009 semester begins, astronomy courses will no longer be offered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. But, the courses could return in the future.

   After Professor of Physics Joe Guenter, who taught the astronomy course and its lab, retired in 2008, a position opened for a new teacher. However, Guenter returned after his retirement to teach the course one more time in fall 2008 and continue assisting with the Pomeroy Planetarium.

   Dean of Math and Sciences and Professor of Chemistry Morris Bramlett said he had intentions of hiring a physics instructor to teach astronomy, but he understands financial situations often overshadow the process.

   “We like to do what we can to help students,” Bramlett said. “But sometimes the lack of money gets in the way.”

   At this time, Guenter’s position will not be filled, but Provost David Ray assured he plans to look for an additional physics instructor who can teach astronomy.

   “I think our Physics department is in a rebuilding state,” Ray said.

   He said he did not want to make anything completely unavailable to students, but in a “lull period,” the university has not been able to hire anyone.

   Meanwhile, some students took the astronomy lecture, but did not have the chance to take the accompanying lab. For just those students, Bramlett will teach an astronomy lab during the summer.

   “It’s a last chance for those who had the lecture to get credit for the lab and fulfill their general education requirements,” he said.

   Bramlett said he plans to treat the course as an independent study where he will create a series of worksheets and experiments to be turned in via e-mail or mail. The class will meet at the end of the summer for a final and on occasion for night viewings and for use of the planetarium.  He said he plans to use previous experiments from Guenter, along with his own, as a guide for the course.

   “I think it’s going to be fun,” Bramlett said.

   He said because of being the dean and teaching in the summer, he will not get paid for it, but looks forward to it since he enjoyed astronomy in college.

   Guenter said the absence of the astronomy courses marks the first time in over 30 years the two haven’t been offered.

   “Hopefully they get someone to crank up the classes again,” he said.

   He will remain around campus to assist with the planetarium in the fall.

   “It’s a neat setup,” Guenter said. “I really enjoy it.”

   For more information about the summer astronomy lab, contact Morris Bramlett at 460-1116 or email at bramlett@uamont.edu.

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