GSPM’s new director
The search for a new director of the Graduate School of Political Management was a year-long drama, characterized by a disillusioned faculty who sought involvement in the decision. Then-Dean of the College of Professional Studies Kathleen Burke had originally required that the director hold a terminal degree, a rule that also drew complaints from faculty and led to the rejection of some potentially strong GSPM leaders. Overall, the hiring process was one mired by poor leadership that was allegedly untrue to the essence of the school. This saga has finally come to a close with the hire of former Congressman Mark Kennedy, R-Minn., and we wish him well as the director of the prestigious and first-of-its kind school.
Early bedtime for HelWell
It’s a new year, and we’re still telling ourselves that we’ll be hitting HelWell often to finally get in shape. But students, who often juggle internships and student organizations along with classes, are busy during the day, and they should still be able to access the gym after hours. The fact that Lerner Health and Wellness Center will now close right at 11:30 p.m. is frustrating for our health-concious contingent – particularly when several other schools offer 24-hour access to their gyms.
UPD security in dorms
University Police officers are now stationed in some upperclassman residence halls at night, a reassuring new policy in light of recent events of non-University affiliated people entering residence halls by piggybacking. But this policy remains inconsistent; often UPD officers are nowhere to be seen at night in a few of the residence halls. Indeed, placing UPD officers every night in some of the upperclassman residence halls is a major undertaking, but it is worrisome that after launching this initiative, the officers are still so often missing from their stations. The piggybacking incidents led to some dangerous results – a man allegedly entered City Hall last year and attempted to sexually assault a female student – so this service is clearly one that is necessary for student safety. Hopefully the University will take measures to ensure more consistent coverage for the officers in these halls.
Collegiate Readership Program and Printing costs
The Student Association has provided students with two excellent cost-saving services this semester: four weeks of complimentary New York Times issues in the Marvin Center and reduced-cost printing – down from 9 cents to 7 cents – in Gelman and Eckles libraries. The Collegiate Readership Program, which ended this year, might not be revived in its full form, but allowing students the ability to pick up free copies of the Times is an important service. Both of these are major achievements for the SA and demonstrate the power of continued lobbying on behalf of student concerns. Now we can really say that the SA gave students their two cents.
The Super Bowl
It’s Super Bowl Week, and we’re excited to spend Sunday watching football and consuming massive amounts of beer and pizza. But the Boston and New York fans who dominate campus are particularly obnoxious this year, and we secretly wish Tebow had gone all the way.
