EDITORIAL: Students bring tangible change

Despite a few problems, the ITA program is a prime example of students providing a valuable service to the Penn community. The student-run ITA program is a good example of activism that has gotten off to a respectable start. And while there have been problems in the first few weeks, ethernet installation and computer glitches in dormitories were handled faster than in previous years. It's only a matter of days, instead of weeks, for a student to get computer assistance. It's student initiatives like the ITA program that the University should encourage. Here is a program that started as a computer-support pilot program in Van Pelt College House and was expanded to all residences. Once all the kinks are worked out, it could become an essential asset to Penn residences. The program hasn't been perfect. In several cases, ITAs didn't know how to install ethernet cards. And in some instances, computer systems malfunctioned after the ethernet card was put in. Students who looked to the ITAs for help said the skill of ITAs varied greatly with some being "computer illiterate." Based on student concerns, ITAs should undergo a more stringent and comprehensive training session before the school year begins. While it's admirable that many students want to become ITAs, they should at least have a minimum level of computer experience. These changes will go a long way in making the program truly great. The fledgling program is an example of students who saw a problem and found a solution for it. More students need to take a similar initiative.