OPINION
A watchdog for the Temple University community since 1921. Brian Dzenis, Editor-in-Chief Valerie Rubinksy, Managing Editor Angelo Fichera, News Editor Kierra Bussey, Opinion Editor Cara Stefchak, Chief Copy Editor Alexis Sachdev, Living Editor Kara Savidge, A&E Editor Connor Showalter, Sports Editor Luis Rodriguez, Multimedia Editor Sean Carlin, Asst. News Editor Joey Cranney, Asst. Sports Editor Saba Aregai, Asst. Multimedia Editor Lauren Hertzler, Copy Editor
Becky Kerner, Web Editor Kate McCann, Photography Editor Abi Reimold, Asst. Photography Editor Lucas Ballasy, Designer Cory Popp, Designer Ana Tamaccio, Designer Joey Pasko, Designer David Hamme, Advertising Manager Tatiana Bowie, Business Manager Sarah Kelly, Billing Manager
temple-news.com
PAGE 4
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012
DRAWING CONCLUSIONS
The Temple News is an editorially independent weekly publication serving the Temple University community. Unsigned editorial content represents the opinion of The Temple News. Adjacent commentary is reflective of their authors, not The Temple News. Visit us online at temple-news.com. Send submissions to letters@temple-news.com. The Temple News is located at: Student Center, Room 243 1755 N. 13th St. Philadelphia, PA 19122
EDITORIALS
P
Open Doors
resident Ann Weaver Hart’s successor has yet to be selected. A task force evaluating student-community issues and concerns won’t release its report until a new president reviews it. We’re also not sure why a survey testing the GLBT climate on campus concluded last spring, but is just set to be released this week. As the university ends the spring semester, The Temple News recognizes there are many questions left unanswered. Since being accepted as the next president of the University of Arizona in September, Hart has remained silent about her time at Temple and her future plans. The Temple News has requested an interview with the departing president multiple times, but has received virtually no response. And while Temple ends the year with a degree of uncertainty, we at The Temple News also wanted to point out the doors that have been closed this year – in a physical sense. Top officials at the university deliberate and negotiate decisions that affect students and faculty, with little to no input from those two groups. Most actions are made from behind closed doors – whether it’s to axe a major or build a new facility.
T
Student Voice
he Temple News would like to congratulate the class of 2012. Despite the doubtful outlook that economists predict 2012 college graduates will face, citing that one in two college graduates are jobless or underemployed, graduates should be proud of their accomplishments. Remember that in the face of adversity success can still be attained. With the confidence and character that Temple helps build during the years, students should be prepared to conquer whatever ambitions they may have. The Temple News would like to take an opportunity to reflect back on this year’s coverage that we pride ourselves on. The 2011-12 year has seen much progress at Temple. This year, through student and administrative activism, Temple was able to secure funding. In addition, Temple re-entered the Big East Conference, which is promising for the progression of Temple athletics. The Temple News has remained committed to covering issues that directly affect students as well as serving as a voice that is representative of Temple. Perhaps the biggest news that broke this year was the resignation of President
As the semester comes to an end, the Temple News would like to advocate for an open door policy. Often times, Temple generates a faux sense of public engagement. During executive sessions of the Board of Trustees, the holds short open meetings to the public before or after the real conversation is had. There is no way for students to formally address the board at its meetings, either. The task force this year operated in a similar fashion, meeting privately throughout the fall. None of its reports or findings were released. This model is the antithesis of an institution of freeflowing information that allows for any genuine dialogue. The university wrongly claims that students are represented in these types of private meetings by one or two representatives. It’s also impossible for a Temple Student Government president to represent the more than 36,000 students attending Temple. If Temple wants its students to advocate for money in Harrisburg, it should provide them with open ears in North Philadelphia. The Temple News advocates for more openness to students and their input at all levels of the university, and hopes that with new leadership will come more transparency. After all, it’s hard to expect doors to be open across the university when its president’s are shut.
JULIANA COPPA TTN
PHOTO COMMENT
JAZMYNE ANDERSON TTN
(Left) Sophomore Lionel Wilson competes in the 4x400 relay at the Penn Relays at Franklin Field. (Right) Sophomore Brianna Alvarez attempts the long jump. Both events took place from April 26 to 28.
POLLING PEOPLE Last week on temple-news.com, we asked: What are you doing this summer?
The Temple News would like to congratulate all graduates and remind students we are their voice. Ann Weaver Hart. The Temple News immediately addressed how this would affect students and worked extensively to answer questions that were left unanswered. Yet, we recognize that much more progress needs to be made in addressing issues that lack transparency. Additionally, the Temple News has covered issues that extend beyond Main Campus into the North Philadelphia community, demonstrating the importance of fostering community ties with local residents to facilitate prosperity and respect. While we were not supportive of District Councilman Darrell Clarke’s initiative to ban student housing around Main Campus, The Temple News has encouraged an open dialogue, in which administrators and the Temple community could actively participate to come to a compromise in which both the immediate and Temple community would benefit from. Overall, we want to continue to thank our readers for their support. After all, we are here to represent and address students concerns independent of administration. And to the graduates, we hope that wherever your endeavors take you that you will continue to stay tied to your alma mater and read The Temple News as a link to the university.
71% 10%
Working/interning.
Taking classes! I’m not going anywhere.
18% 1%
Going home to mooch off mom and dad.
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Traveling/vacation.
*Out of 51 votes
Visit temple-news.com to take our online poll, or send your comments to letters@ temple-news.com. Letters may regard any current issue but must include your full name, position and location. Students can give year and major. Submissions should be 350 words or fewer.
CITY VIEW
Study cites Millennials’ desire for wealth For more see Sarae Gdovin’s article, “Financial stability is important but does not define us,” p. 5.
74.4% Of first-year college students surveyed between 2000 and 2009rated
“being very well off financially” as essential or very important.
70.8% Of first-year college students surveyed between 1979 and 1999 rated “being very well off financially” as essential or very important.
44.6% Of first-year college students surveyed between 1966 and 1978 rated “being very well off financially” as essential or very important.