LETTERS: New PennCard privacy issues

To the Editor: Community members should be aware their photograph is being stored in the University's databases indefinitely. Students should also be aware they have no control over the uses of their image provided that the University deems the use appropriate to its educational and institutional purposes. While many people probably realized their picture was digitized, many probably did not and do not realize the number of far reaching possible uses the University could put the data to both tomorrow as well as a year or ten years from now. While each of us might feel differently about specific uses the University might propose, the current system allows us no say because the University has the data and has complete control over the decision making process. Students who do not want their PennCard to be a walking cash and credit card have had their cards automatically activated for billing at Student Financial Services. After some discussion with SFS, a method was found to deactivate my card at the bookstore and campus eateries, but not at Wharton Reprographics. Further, until software changes are made, only now underway, student's cards will automatically be reactivated each semester. Also, PennCard holders are supposed to be handed two pieces of legal-size paper which contain privacy and usage disclosures about the PennCard when the card is issued. Of the students I've spoken to, none received this disclosure which purports to be a binding agreement concerning the use of the Penn-Card. I would recommend that community members who have concerns about the new PennCard raise them promptly with: Laurie Cousart Director, Telecommunications 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 449A, cousart@pobox.upenn.edu. Ms. Cousart appears genuinely sympathetic to some of these concerns but has not heard input from many people who are concerned about these issues. She also genuinely believes that PennCard center employees are handing each person the disclosure. If that was not the case for you, let her know. Erik Oliver Law School '98 'Chai'-light was for all students, not just Jews To the Editor: I am writing to comment on "Jewish groups 'Chai'-light religious opportunities at U." (DP, 9/22/97). I was struck by the title of the article as not reflecting the purpose of Chai Day. In my view, and I think many Jewish students at Penn will agree, the purpose of Chai Day was not to 'Chai'-light religious life on campus, but rather give students an opportunity to learn ways to get involved in Jewish life on campus. Jewish life is not just religion, it also involves culture. That is why there are over 40 different Jewish organizations on our campus. Some of them dedicate themselvesto social and cultural events, performing arts, community service, education, political action, religion and many others. Through the diversity of student groups, Penn Hillel showed that there is always a place for everyone to get involved in Jewish life on this campus. So don't just sit there and complain to your roommate that you miss your congregation -- instead get involved in something you like or if we don't have it, start a new group! In fact, one of the new groups of Penn Hillel this year is its the Social Committee. As a conclusion to Chai Day, we organized a dance party Chai Ball, which was an enormous success with over 200 students attending on a Thursday night. Unfortunately, it wasn't mentioned in the article, although signs were placed all over campus and the DP reporter was invited to cover it. It is sad, but true that many Penn students view Hillel as a place for religion only, and Chai Ball was one of many events that proved that you don't need to be religious to be Jewish. And it also doesn't matter what kind of Judaism you practice when there is a desire for that, because with 33 percent of the student body being Jewish you will definitely find your niche. I hope that in the future all stereotypes about Judaism on this campus will be broken and Jewish community will flourish with its vibrant life. Alina Khavulya Hillel Social Committee member College '99 Working together for the Mayor's Scholarships To the Editor: Allow me to comment on your article, "Gala Reception honors newest Mayor's Scholars," (DP, 9/25/97), The Mayor's Scholarship is a wonderful program that assists bright, talented Philadelphians in attending a university in their hometown. The City of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania continually work together to give back to it's residents. The Mayor's Scholarship is a reflection of this symbiotic relationship. These students have worked extremely hard through high school and through their successful academic accomplishments they have earned their way into this Ivy League university. They did not get a "full ride" nor does Penn offer any type of "full rides," there just is no such thing here. Admission to the University of Pennsylvania itself is highly selective. To then be chosen as a recipient of the Mayor's Scholarship is an additional honor, which these students deserve. We are very proud to have these 34 students represent both Penn and Philadelphia. Heather Heard Executive Assistant to the Dean of Admissions