At the end of each semester, The Argus Editorial Board publishes a report card evaluating the progress of various institutions and initiatives on campus. We have cut a few categories from last semester and added others that seem particularly relevant. While our grades for the spring 2010 semester are generally positive, there is still much room for improvement, especially involving the University’s response to sexual assault.
Transportation: B+
Transportation options have generally improved from last semester, and it’s great that the M-Link now stops at the University. However, we still need better transportation to Hartford and New Haven, and we hope that this will be something the WSA continues to address next semester.
Public Safety: B
They have continued to do their job well, and we appreciate their assistance in a number of assaults that occurred over the past semester. However, as much as we love you, Dave Meyer, please stay off the Hill on 4/20.
WSA: B+
We would’ve given you an A, since you have listened to our ideas and have actually achieve a surprising amount this semester, such as getting the M-Link Bus to stop on campus and establishing a Bike Co-Op starting next fall. However, we are disappointed—to say the least—by how the presidential campaign was handled this semester, and we hope that next year the WSA will stay away from petty disputes and mean-spiritedness.
Dining: A
Not only has Usdan been listening to our suggestions, but they have also been doing an excellent job replacing silverware!
Film Series: A+
Not only did you consistently show fantastic films over the past semester, but we are impressed that you also hosted excellent lectures and discussions from professors and filmmakers like Jason Reitman. Oh yeah: thanks for finally screening “Taken.” It was about time.
ResLife: A-
Great job working to make sure that all students get class-appropriate housing by adding so many houses and rooms, but GRS still needs work.
Michael Roth: A-
We commend you for listening to students about financial aid and budget cuts, even though the economy was terrible this year. In addition, it’s great that you carefully considered various options before ultimately deciding to demolish MoCon this summer. However, there are still important student issues that you need to acknowledge and commit to improving next semester, such as the University’s response to sexual assault.
Fraternities: B+ (except for Beta)
It’s great that frats this semester were so welcoming to the community and open to cooperation and unlikely alliances. They’ve thrown some truly awesome events this semester. However, Beta should stop complaining about being off-campus and, like the other frats, work more effectively towards becoming a beneficial part of the University community.
Sexual Assault Response: D
It is distressing that we still don’t have a professional staff position handling sexual assault issues on campus while almost all other schools our size do. The administration has a lot of work to do in order to improve their treatment of sexual assault, and we hope that they heed the many calls over the past few weeks (and years) to strengthen their response and prevention efforts.
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