As I read the Chronicle’s article about changes in available housing for next year, I was flabbergasted, but I really should not have been surprised. Just when I thought the University was becoming slightly receptive to the multitude of criticism it has received from leaving students’ interests behind and operating more like a ruthless corporation, came this shocker. I am graduating in May, so I had not paid attention to the new housing process. This move by Hofstra is extremely unwise and insulting to upperclass students, and seems a poor trade-off for the convenience of being able to pay your housing deposit online. The sad thing is, the University’s desperation to satisfy the first-year students’ desire to live in more “integrated” housing is a predicament brought on by the university administration itself. In their recent move of restricting the Netherlands to first-years only, they ostracized the vast majority of freshmen, and now are scrambling to fix their mistake and boost the retention rate, and their profits. The hasty selling of Twin Oaks, a dorm that has long been in shameful condition, is a classic example of Hofstra’s tendency to attempt to evade or distance themselves from problems instead of approaching them in a constructive manner. When the University does address students’ concerns, it is often out of dangerous necessity or shame. I am continually disgusted by the inconsiderate actions of the University. I have always worked for positive change here in any way available to me, but I must say that I am quite glad to be leaving soon.

Cheryl Curry is a senior English major and a member of Women of Action and the Progressive Students Union.