Imagine preparing to defend a doctoral dissertation with dim lighting and children clambering around the room in an apartment outside of State College.

Visions of completing a degree become even more distant.

As the number of graduate students with children increases, they need more affordable housing close to campus.

The Graduate Student Association announced last week it will draft a letter to the directors of the University's Housing and Food Services requesting additional family housing. University administrators said no immediate plans exist for expanding the current amount.

Exorbitant rental fees and extra travel costs strain the finances of many parents who are also paying the costs of raising a family.

Currently two University-sponsored residence areas -- Graduate Circle and Eastview Terrrace --allow tenants with children. Both of these living areas, however, have a waiting list of about 18 months.

In the available housing units, tenants complain of cramped conditions and a lack of privacy. Silence and space are essential for doing justice to classes.

At a time when the future of academia rests on producing many well-qualified graduates, graduate students need all the help they can get. The University should look into finding more graduate homes.