EDITORIAL: "Living and Learning"

The University wouldThe University wouldlike academics to followThe University wouldlike academics to followstudents home after class.The University wouldlike academics to followstudents home after class.But before that happens,The University wouldlike academics to followstudents home after class.But before that happens,it must convince studentsThe University wouldlike academics to followstudents home after class.But before that happens,it must convince studentsto call the campus home.The University wouldlike academics to followstudents home after class.But before that happens,it must convince studentsto call the campus home.___________________________ Any new residential program should integrate students of all years, all backgrounds and all interests. Currently, most of the available college house programs are thematic, they are based around a central concept or idea whether it be Modern Language College House, W.E.B. Du Bois House, Arts House or Hill House. While these programs are excellent, they only reach out to those students who share specific interests or a common background emphasized by the house. As Morrisson and others evaluate the merits of such a program and come up with more specific plans, it is important to keep in mind that the success of this program, or any other like it, is contingent upon several large-scale changes. First, there will need to be a majority of students living on campus for all four years. This will require more dormitory space for undergraduates. Ideas which have been tossed around in the past include extending Locust Walk across 34th Street and building a Quadrangle-esque dormitory on Hill Field. Some decision must also be reached regarding the High Rises, which are currently the most viable on-campus alternative for upperclass students. The University will also need to make on-campus housing more appealing. The University must offer more attractive, less expensive, co-ed housing and make living on campus more commodius and less constricting. Another major issue which will need to be reconciled is the role of fraternities and sororities. Currently, Greek organizations are the focal point of social activity for many University students as well as a residential living option. It would be impossible to have a successful college house system if 30 to 40 percent of a class, at a given time, is living in fraternity and sorority houses. It will take a lot of work over a lot of time to implement such a residential system. But it may just be worth effort if it can make the University a better place to live and learn.