Friday, August 22,1997 The University Daily Kansan Section A · Page 5 Evaluations a hot topic once again for Sullivan By Tim Harrington Kansan staff writer Sullivan reiterated his intentions Wednesday night during the Without missing a beat from last year, Student Body President Scott Sullivan is continuing a campaign to return faculty evaluations to students. during his speech at the convocation c er e m o y. Promising to lead t he charge to release faculty evaluations, Sullivan said e very student Sullivan: Wants faculty evaluations released. should know something about their teachers before stepping into the classroom Sullivan contends that understanding teaching style and professor accessibility should not be a learn-as-yougo process. He proposes a system of compiling statistical data resulting in a professor performance guide available to students. "With the advent of linear tuition it's important that you know what kind of product you're getting." Sullivan said. Chancellor Robert Hemenway said, "It's good for the faculty and students to have a dialogue on this issue. There's no clear right or wrong here. It's a matter of making sure everyone's rights are respected." Hemenway could provide the push to turn Sullivan's intentions into reality. Although he has said that faculty evaluations are a part of the faculty's personal records, which by state law cannot be made public, the chancellor has made no final decision on the issue. Jarek Piealkiewicz, professor of political science, distinguished lecturer of western civilization and 32-year veteran of the KU faculty, is not afraid of having his teaching evaluations released. "I'm very much in favor of it," he said. "I think students have a right to know about their teachers." John Ralston, professor of physics and astronomy, said that while he would have no argument with making his evaluations public, both students and faculty have complicated issues at stake in the issue. "Comments students make have to be confidential or they wouldn't feel free to make them," Ralston said. Playing to the crowd Spectators watch the band "Safety Orange" perform at the annual UnionFest 1997. This year's UnionFest last from 9 p.m. to 2 p.m. yesterday. Clubs placed tables inside the Kansas Union to attract students and giveaways outside the Union included bagels, shirts and drinks. Photo by Pam Dishman/KANSAN 'OPT-OUT' can keep vehicle records out of the public eye By Ann Premer Kansan staff writer For the first time, Kansas drivers will have the opportunity to close their vehicle records to the public. The "OPT-OUT" program, which was mandated by the federal government and takes effect Sept. 13, requires that states offer residents the opportunity to have their vehicle owner and registration records, driver's license information, and identification card records withheld from public access. In order for a person to close his vehicle records to the public, he must complete and return a form to the State Motor Vehicles Office in Topeka. The forms are available at driver's license exam stations or county treasurers' offices across the state. People also can "OPT-OUT" when they renew their driver's licenses or vehicle registration records. "I choose not to have my records open," said Valerie Sargent, Lawrence first-year law student, after she renewed her license at the Lawrence driver's license exam office, 200 Iowa St. "It's not that you have anything to hide. It’s just that people don’t need to know everything." After Sept. 13, vehicle records of those who opted out will be open only to parties approved by the federal government. For example, law enforcement agents, insurance agencies, employers and automotive companies making safety recalls will be able to access all vehicle records, said Sheila Walker, public information officer for the Kansas Department of Revenue. A stalking case in California prompted the Federal Privacy Act of 1994, which called for all states to begin the "OPT-OUT" program, Walker said. States not complying with the mandate by the deadline will be fined $5,000 per day. The Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles started offering "OPT-OUT" forms in January. The "OPT-OUT" program also will encompass records available online through the Information Network of Kansas, which was created by the state legislature to provide access to government information. Previously, Kansans' vehicle records and driver's license records have been accessible—for a fee—at county treasurers' offices. In order to access vehicle records online, a person must subscribe to the network and pay a fee for each record obtained. Subscribers also use a log-in ID and a password which allows the network to track their usage. After Sept. 13, users of the Web Opting out Some facts about the "OPT-OUT" program, which allows drivers to choose whether their driving and vehicle records will be open to the public: - "OPT-OUT" forms are available at drivers license exam stations and county treasurers' offices across the state. - Residents also may choose to "OPT_OUT" when they register their vehicle, renew their vehicle registration, or apply for or renew a driver's license. - "OPT-OUT" takes effect Sept. 13, but residents may choose to have their vehicle records closed at any time... Completed forms must be returned to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, Topeka, Kan., 66612-0001. site who are not approved by the federal government will not be able to access the closed vehicle records. Most of the information on the site will be available to the pub- lering charge, said Debra Luling, director of marketing for the network. 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