University's red tape test student's faith

I write to all of my fellow students that are drowning in the sea of red tape that is Penn State.

It all began in the Pattee computer lab. I went there to check my E-mail but could not log on.

"What's wrong with the network now?" I thought. I looked over my shoulder toward the lab assistant's desk, but as usual there was nobody there. I called the Center for Academic Computing help desk but as usual the line was busy.

After I walked to the Willard Building help desk, I discovered why I could not log on. My account was cancelled because, according to their records, I did not pay my semester bill.

"What the . . . I paid that bill two months ago!" I said. "Oh no . . . I have to go to Shields Building."

To make a long story short, I wrote the Bursar another check (and told them not to lose this one!) and attempted to re-register for my classes.

Luckily, I got into all of my classes, save one: CompSci 203.

Not only am I just a number, but I'm a fire hazard, too! I called the dean of engineering and begged him to tell the Registrar that I was allowed to re-register.

At first he told me that there was nowhere for me to sit. Then I asked him if he ever sat in on my class. He said no.

"That's what I thought," I said "because if you did you would know that on a good day, the class is half-empty."

He asked me about exam days and I told him I would sit on the floor. Realizing his arguments were faulty, he told me I was a fire hazard.

After four hours of negotiation between me, the dean and the Registrar, the fact came to light that there were in fact five open spots in my section!

My temptation was to lose my cool and hurl insults. Luckily for us all, I just walked out of Shields and smoked a cigarette to calm my nerves.

Maybe they should get a few punching bags in Shields.

I do not think we have to endure this red-tape monster. I thought I was the only one who had to go through this until I read Joe Maeder's letter.

I am happy to be a part of Penn State, but incidents like this one are a true test of faith.

Makes me wonder how many people put up with incidents like these each day.

Hank Saur
senior- health policy and administration

GSA's CAFE films diverse, multicultural

The Graduate Student Association applauds the efforts of Larry Paseornek and Kevin Bittle to bring more multicultural films to this campus (Collegian, Jan. 22).

We do not dispute the fact that commercial film selections in this town are commonly lacking.

However, Paseornek and Bittle were mistaken when saying that GSA does not provide diverse or multicultural film offerings.

GSA, under the auspices of its CAFE film series (Critically Acclaimed Film Experience), does not only offer diversity in subject matter and directors, but also in language and culture.

GSA has sponsored both domestic and foreign films for years.

In 1996-1997, when both the English language and foreign series became free (thanks to funding by the Student Activities Fee and the Student Organization Budget Committee), GSA renewed its commitment to maintaining its role as the only provider of a foreign film series in this community, but it also expanded its commitment formally to include art house and diverse films that would not normally come to the State College area.

GSA has recently shown several of the movies that Paseornek and his committee are planning to show (Passion Fish, Go Fish, The Incredibly True Story of Two Girls in Love, and last fall, The Celluloid Closet.)

A few more of our English language films last semester included two Spike Lee films, The Living End, I Shot Andy Warhol, and a documentary on Leni Reifenstahl.

In its English language series alone, GSA has shown or will show many films depicting many people of different creeds, colors, sexual and political orientation; and discussing same-sex relationships, race, adoption, war, peace, multiracial issues, the Holocaust and feminism.

We believe in our commitment and are following through with it.

We invite all members of the Penn State community to check out this semester's schedule for GSA CAFE series, which also includes films from India, Mali, China, Russia, France, Germany, Venezuela, Italy, The Netherlands, Japan and Taiwan.

Visit our World Wide Web page at http://cac.psu.edu/~gsa/index.html, or stop by the GSA office in 111B Kern for a monthly schedule.

Julie Ann Bubolz
Graduate Student Association president

HUB exhibit gives student goosebumps

I am writing to encourage the Penn State community to stop by the HUB and take a look at the Unity Days exhibit in the Browsing Gallery.

Many fine exhibits have passed through the HUB since last August when I first arrived here at University Park; this was the first to stop me dead in my tracks.

I was literally stunned, not only by the power of the message and the beauty of the image, but by the talent behind the work.

Few things give me goosebumps from sheer awe; Barbra Streisand's voice is one, the opening scene of The Lion King is another.

I give the Unity Days exhibit five goosebumps (out of a possible five). Much kudos to the Unity Days Committee, the Multicultural Resource Center and to the talented students and professors responsible for this work.

So many of us believe we are "too busy" to stop and admire, to wonder, to appreciate.

I encourage all Penn State students, faculty and staff to find the time to check out this marvelous exhibit. It reminded me why I came to college, and in particular, why I came to this University.

I hope it does the same for all my "United" University-mates.

Duane Gildea
political co-director
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance