Spring Break
Council looks to move on after confrontation with University
Issue date: 3/6/08
The Student Council may further strain its relationship with administrators by protesting the University's decision to revoke the sophomore Greek housing exemption.
The Council recently passed a resolution demanding improved communication and transparency from the University.
While Dean of Student Life Susan Boswell said she was happy to work with the Council, she questioned the need for a resolution demanding change.
"I don't agree with everything in the resolution and feel that the administration would have been responsive to the Council's concerns in whatever form they brought them forward," she said.
Boswell did not specify which parts of the resolution she disagreed with.
Student Council Executive Board President Scott Bierbryer said administrators did not believe there was an issue with communication but recognized that there must be problems if the Council felt strong enough to pass a resolution.
"Relationships can always be improved with communication being the first step," Boswell said.
"We understand to a certain degree that they are incredibly busy, but it is important for them to make time to meet with us. We are the representatives of the student body," freshman class President Daniel Teran said.
"I have made myself available to meet with members of Student Council and will continue to do so," Boswell said.
Council members hope to set up consistent meetings with the administration so they can provide input with decisions such as the schedule change or the decision to revoke Greek housing exemptions for sophomores.
"Right now we are in the stage of setting up the concrete details of what we need. Administrators have been very receptive as far as meetings go. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks," Bierbryer said.
This new relationship with the University may be tested by the Council's decision to contest the revoking of the Greek housing exemption.
With the construction and upgrading of housing, amenities and security, Boswell said administrators felt the Greek housing exemption could no longer be considered an alternative to University housing.
The Council recently passed a resolution demanding improved communication and transparency from the University.
While Dean of Student Life Susan Boswell said she was happy to work with the Council, she questioned the need for a resolution demanding change.
"I don't agree with everything in the resolution and feel that the administration would have been responsive to the Council's concerns in whatever form they brought them forward," she said.
Boswell did not specify which parts of the resolution she disagreed with.
Student Council Executive Board President Scott Bierbryer said administrators did not believe there was an issue with communication but recognized that there must be problems if the Council felt strong enough to pass a resolution.
"Relationships can always be improved with communication being the first step," Boswell said.
"We understand to a certain degree that they are incredibly busy, but it is important for them to make time to meet with us. We are the representatives of the student body," freshman class President Daniel Teran said.
"I have made myself available to meet with members of Student Council and will continue to do so," Boswell said.
Council members hope to set up consistent meetings with the administration so they can provide input with decisions such as the schedule change or the decision to revoke Greek housing exemptions for sophomores.
"Right now we are in the stage of setting up the concrete details of what we need. Administrators have been very receptive as far as meetings go. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks," Bierbryer said.
This new relationship with the University may be tested by the Council's decision to contest the revoking of the Greek housing exemption.
With the construction and upgrading of housing, amenities and security, Boswell said administrators felt the Greek housing exemption could no longer be considered an alternative to University housing.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
elle
posted 3/07/08 @ 11:57 AM EST
I think that it is a big mistake for the administration to do anything that would negatively impact Greek life on campus. One of the major concerns of prospective applicants, is whether or not they will enjoy a good social life at Hopkins. (Continued…)
JHU Mom
posted 3/08/08 @ 12:00 PM EST
Ok, am I missing something?! Why would students wanting to move into Greek housing be a problem? I just finished reading a piece in the opinion section about how unhappy upperclassmen were about being denied campus housing- so obviously, there is a housing shortage. (Continued…)
Dan
posted 3/25/08 @ 10:58 PM EST
The university makes a boatload of money off of on campus housing, by setting a principle and forcing ALL sophomores into university housing, they set the ground for a junior on campus housing mandate in coming years. (Continued…)
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