LETTERS: Showing the proper respect

To the Editor: institutions and businesses are closed, why is it so difficult for some colleges, like ours, to show the same respect for this great man? You sound like you are telling us that we should be happy that we have what we have -- and I can tell you that personally I am not one to "settle" for anything. Speaking to your comment on the "generosity" of the University in prohibiting exams and assignments on this day, how many classes have exams one week into the semester anyway? Some students are reluctant to cut class because they don't want to miss the material that is discussed that day in class and risk falling behind, which is reasonable. Holding events focussed around the holiday is simply not enough. It would be a huge demonstration of respect on the part of the University to not hold classes on MLK Day and, to me, their refusal negates the significance of the events that they will hold in the coming weeks. Also, in your article you commented on how some other schools do not observe/take off for MLK Day either. Does that make it right? Jasmine Gaillard Wharton '01 Caring for all patients To the Editor: Malik Wilson raises issues in his January 14th column that prompt this response ("The ivory tower of medicine," DP, 01/14/99). His description of his treatment at the Health Service is distressing on many levels, including the specifics of his care, the purported behavior of staff and, most seriously, accusations of discrimination. "Drilling a hole" in a nail to release pressure -- the medical term is "evacuation of a subungal hematoma" -- can be accomplished in a variety of different ways, all of which are appropriate and acceptable methods of treatment. In all medical care, past experience and success with a given method are the prime determinants of which procedure is used; while cost may be a consideration, the ability to achieve the desired outcome is paramount. Wilson's suggestion of uncaring and unprofessional behavior by our staff is of great concern. Our mission is the delivery of quality care to students that is appropriate and accessible, provided in a hospitable environment. We take any report of care that falls short of that mark quite seriously and we review such incidents with our staff. My overriding concern, however, is Mr. Wilson's speculation that he received different treatment because of his racial background. We have a diverse student population, with widely varying needs. The Health Service provides care for all of these students. It is our policy that all students be treated with courtesy and respect, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, and that all students receive the same level of care. We will not tolerate any deviation from this standard. Any student who believes that he or she has been the target of such behavior should not hesitate to bring their concerns to my attention. Evelyn Wiener, M.D. Associate Director Student Health Service Always improving To the Editor: It is always a concern when students are distracted from their main reason for being at Penn -- their education. It is particularly troublesome when the reasons for distractions a service in which Penn tries very hard to excel -- Student Financial Services. Financial assistance is an important part of Penn's policy to have the very best students, regardless of their ability to meet the cost of attendance. SFS staff continuously devote a great deal of attention to improving customer service. Despite this attention, we recognize that many of the issues raised in the January 18 DP article by Michelle Weinberg are real and need continuing improvement (" Wanted: User-friendly financial aid," DP, 01/18/99). THe complexity of financial aid, including the various federal and state regulations governing many programs, is daunting, and the need for students and their families to get answers continuous. SFS has invested substantially in these matters and will continue to do so. Sometimes the demand for service reaches levels causing the appearance of bureaucratic unconcern. The opposite is true. SFS staff are anxious to help students and their families. SFS is on a continuous improvement course. Penn-In-Touch, developed by SFS and the Registrar, needs ongoing enhancement. A new telephone system and a staffing plan which should help students and their families reach SFS staff is being installed and implemented. Staff reallocation to counseling will expand the availability of knowledgeable people. A plan to replace the archaic computer systems on which SFS depends is in the works. Many students are benefiting from the electronic disbursement of student loans and the direct deposit of credit balance refunds to their bank accounts. These measures are reducing the need for students to visit the Franklin Building. Although these enhancements should help, I regret that even one student has trouble getting needed and deserved service from SFS. I pledge to use all the creativity and resources I can muster to provide the best possible assistance when it comes to student financial concerns. Frank Claus Associate Vice President for Finance