LETTERS: The rap on student-run RAPLine

To the Editor: One of the most interesting aspects of the line for me is why it exists in the first place. In 1990, a group of three women, 1991 College graduates Melissa Karz, Margery Jacobs and Rachel Miller understood that the time when students are most in need of emotional or academic support is the time when professional resources are unavailable (9 p.m. to 2 a.m.). They began what became a year long process of conviencing the University that a need existed to provide some type of service during the hours they most needed it and that trained students could provided this service. There has been no doubt since the line opened September 16, 1992 that the need exists and that students and staff are glad that RAPLine is there. Staff at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) regularly suggest to their clients that they call RAPLine if they are feeling the need to talk and for someone to listen when they (CAPS) are not available. Referrals are the sincerest form of praise. Student founded, student managed, and student staffed for seven years and still going strong. 573-2RAP. Kate Ward-Gaus RAPLine Advisor