2008 Woodie Awards
RSSThe op-ed "Campaign for a student center" (April 8, 2008) mentioned a movement for a single student center. Although this may seem like a good, or even great idea, it is poorly thought-out and very unfeasible. After two years at Lehigh, I know it is not an inconvenience to walk from one place to another during my day, because from just about any point on lower campus, it is only a five minute walk to somewhere else. Plus, one of the main selling points for me to attend Lehigh was the beauty of the campus. If everyone is all crammed inside a single student center all day as suggested, no one will get to see the campus on their walks from class to dorms.
Another suggestion was the University Center was large enough to house a "bank, printing services, post office, student art gallery, multimedia lecture hall, arcade and convenience store." I don't know if you've ever been inside the UC, but there is certainly not enough room for all of those (granted there is already a bank.) Implementing all of these ideas into the UC would require the removal of the Cort Dining Hall and Upper UC, which are two of the most popular places to get food on campus. The cost associated with relocating would be more than Lehigh would want to spend to replace existing amenities. As far as a student art gallery, Student Senate was focusing on collecting art for the recently renovated upper Ulrich area (which is actually a very comfortable student space).
You were right that the student body needs to be heard. But when ludicrous ideas such as this are being presented or even forced on the administration, it is no wonder that the powers start to fade out student requests. Demanding that an idea be "No. 1 priority" is no way to get what you want. Try thinking your idea through, talking to administrators to see what is feasible and revise your plan. Wash, rinse, repeat. Don't suggest that everyone's tuition be spent immediately on frivolous things.
The student centers that exist have met my needs and more. If you want a single student center, you should have gone to a smaller school.
Letters: Idea for single student center unfeasible
By Ken Herring, '10
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Opinion
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Sara
posted 4/12/08 @ 12:52 PM EST
I am sad to hear that you think that this idea is poorly thought out. Many students representing the interests of over 15 different student groups worked together to come to the conclusion that this is necessary for the campus. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 4/13/08 @ 9:00 PM EST
The idea of a student center is about more than just making it easier for students to congregate. Students at Lehigh are categorized according to what school they are in and which Greek house they're in, not to mention any of the other ways that the general public categorizes each other (where they're from, political affiliation, religion, etc). (Continued…)
skipper
posted 4/14/08 @ 3:52 PM EST
I like the idea of a central hub but find the "let's bring everyone together" case being made for it to be the most contrived idiotic argument ever. Obviously brought forth by inhabitants of the university's logic-free community. (Continued…)
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