On
Oct. 25 Mercer County Community College hosted perhaps the most
unusual event in its history – a Halloween-themed carnival
focusing on academic integrity and the horrors of cheating.
White-clad angels
brandished hammers of justice, red clad devils threatened with large
hatchets, students put on shorts skits about the harsh punishments
that cheaters will meet up with. Others dressed in costumes, such
as the court jester with his sign reading “Only a fool would
cheat,” and the donkey with the sign "You're an ass if
you cheat." Rounding
out the event were a “tattoo parlor,” games, and lots
of free desserts, many baked by staff, faculty and students.
The creative
idea for the event came from Kathy Paluscio, assistant professor
of Communication. Students from her “Oral Interpretation,”
class put on engaging entertainments with a serious underlying message.
Said Paluscio,
“We developed the carnival as a fun event that nevertheless
carried a serious message about the horrors of cheating. Each participating
group stressed this theme. I didn’t want anybody to forget
why we were there.” The carnival also promoted student engagement
and faculty/student interactions outside the classroom.
Event co-coordinated,
Danielle Garruba, director of student activities, said more than
50 student volunteers helped with decorations, organization and
staffing. The college’s Student Government Association made
academic integrity the theme of its activities throughout the year.
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