Letter to the editor

To the editor:

I am troubled by the Columbia administration’s timing in creating a new position as reported in “Martinez fills new post in multicultural affairs” (Sept. 30, 2009) to oversee various aspects of student life and advising. My main concern lies where, I’m sure, many of ours do—the University’s financial status. Student groups across the board are receiving less money this year, Dining Services has cut food budgets, and Lerner Hall hours are much shorter, to name just a few sacrifices students have made as the University refocuses its expenditures. Can we truly afford this indulgence?

The timing on a smaller scale is confusing, as well—what could be so urgent that we need Dean Martinez to rush and join us mid-semester, instead of simply waiting for a clean start at the beginning of next semester? Dean Martinez has enhanced the lives of a number of students at other schools, but perhaps the University should have first looked to rearranging its own staff, who is already familiar with and devoted to Columbia students’ needs. Additionally, I am surprised that Dean Shollenberger’s positions as dean of student affairs and associate vice president for undergraduate student life do not already encompass the responsibilities to be shouldered in the next two months by Dean Martinez.

No doubt, Dean Martinez has an impressive record at other schools around the country, and Columbia students would be lucky to have her on our team—in several years, once the University has regained its financial footing.

Abigail Lowin, CC ’11 ˜
Sept. 30, 2009