2008 Woodie Awards
Student life issues discussed with Trustees
Lauren Wiesner
Issue date: 2/3/05 Section: News
Traveling back to Allentown from near and far, the members of the Board of Trustees convened on campus this past weekend. Student issues were brought to the forefront of discussion through a new Special Topics Session that addressed student life, as well as conversation at the regular Campus Life committee meeting.
Christina Liciaga '05, Student Observer to the Board of Trustees, participated in the Campus Life committee discussion and attended the Special Topics Session. "There were small meetings with the entire Board... with supposedly students from all over campus (truly handpicked by administration which the Board realized and articulated)," explained Liciaga.
Among issues discussed at the Campus Life committee meeting include potentially changing the meal plan options, converting the ML Underground into a student-run space, increasing independent research and conference opportunities and evaluating the state of diversity on campus.
"I reported to the Board students' discontent and disgust with the meal plan and the overwhelming majority of students who had signed a petition demanding attention from the administration," said Liciaga. "I expected my presentation would be embraced and applauded; however, I was meant to be appeased by President Helm's suggestion that a student inclusive committee would tackle this issue. Having been in contact with said students, I openly accused the administration of being negligent in handling this particular issue and urged progress to be sought with greater tenacity and consistency."
Randy Helm, President of the College explained that with exams and winter break, the administration put the project on hold until students returned to campus. "It's very difficult to consult with students over vacation. I think we've been pretty responsive in terms of following up," he said. "I think you have to do a lot of research. One thing I learned is that dining contracts are complicated."
Mike Yellin '05, Student Body President, also attended the Board meetings. "Every issue that we brought to the Board is something that the administration is aware of. I think time will tell whether they will respond adequately," said Yellin. "In the past, we've seen things put on the backburner. I think the administration wants to fix things, but we get caught up in [everyday problems] and ignore the little things."
Christina Liciaga '05, Student Observer to the Board of Trustees, participated in the Campus Life committee discussion and attended the Special Topics Session. "There were small meetings with the entire Board... with supposedly students from all over campus (truly handpicked by administration which the Board realized and articulated)," explained Liciaga.
Among issues discussed at the Campus Life committee meeting include potentially changing the meal plan options, converting the ML Underground into a student-run space, increasing independent research and conference opportunities and evaluating the state of diversity on campus.
"I reported to the Board students' discontent and disgust with the meal plan and the overwhelming majority of students who had signed a petition demanding attention from the administration," said Liciaga. "I expected my presentation would be embraced and applauded; however, I was meant to be appeased by President Helm's suggestion that a student inclusive committee would tackle this issue. Having been in contact with said students, I openly accused the administration of being negligent in handling this particular issue and urged progress to be sought with greater tenacity and consistency."
Randy Helm, President of the College explained that with exams and winter break, the administration put the project on hold until students returned to campus. "It's very difficult to consult with students over vacation. I think we've been pretty responsive in terms of following up," he said. "I think you have to do a lot of research. One thing I learned is that dining contracts are complicated."
Mike Yellin '05, Student Body President, also attended the Board meetings. "Every issue that we brought to the Board is something that the administration is aware of. I think time will tell whether they will respond adequately," said Yellin. "In the past, we've seen things put on the backburner. I think the administration wants to fix things, but we get caught up in [everyday problems] and ignore the little things."