Squirrels Gathering Nuts:

Preparing for a session of courses at the University of Talossa
By Aspra Rosetta Laira

Twelve. The number of dialing keys in any standard digital telephone, the number of signs in the Zodiac, the number of months in most calendar systems, the number of Apostles who followed Jesus, the atomic number of magnesium. The number of citizens who participated in the poll about l’Üniversità Talossan.

As the new chancellor for the University of Talossa and a college instructor, 12 is my favorite number of students to teach. I group them into two, three or four or six groups. A lot of enlightening discussion can come from 12 students. I’m happy that we had that many responses to the l’Üniversità Talossan Interest Poll, a thread within the University of Talossa forum.

The results show that 25% would like to see Talossan language lessons offered, 8.3% would like a class about Talossan politics, 8.3% are for courses in history -- Talossan and otherwise, and an astounding 58.3% would like to see language, politics, literature, and history offered.

“While I believe all should be of equal priority for the University, and all fields would be equally valuable,” said Éovart Caçeir, “I believe Glheþ language lessons should be a majour part of the University's curriculum, as the Talossan language is a most important staple in Talossan culture.”

Owen Edwards wrote, “I think short primers in other subjects - non-specific to Talossa - would be a positive way of broadening the curriculum.”

Dean of Student Affairs, Flip Molinar wants to promote knowledge in a non-threatening environment where teachers “try not to let our world views influence our teaching.”

A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes, and we hope to offer classes by April 1st (no foolin’) if not earlier. The classes will take place within sub-threads of the university forum. Instructors will post the syllabi and give interested citizens a reasonable time-period to enroll (which would be done by simply posting to the class that you want to join).

King John has been selected to teach a six-month course covering hardboiled American Crime Fiction, “Dicks and Dames.” Alexander Davis, who has specialized in Hemmingway, will teach an eight-week course on the subject. Matáiwos Vürinalt of the CÚG has offered his assistance in coordinating with other CÚG members to get a language course going.

I look forward to being a part of the university with the best seal, thanks to S:reu X. Pol Briga, my predessor. Interestingly, if you add the number of sides on the three inner shapes, you get . . . the number 12.