Students may not read free papers

A University program has residents of Atherton, Ewing and Pennypacker halls receiving free copies of The New York Times and the Centre Daily Times right on their doorstep every morning.

But, as Pennypacker Hall resident Kim Jenkins discovered, sometimes the newspapers cause more problems than they are worth.

"I just walked out the door and tripped on the papers one morning," said Jenkins (freshman-secondary education).

The program, which began earlier this semester, may expand to the rest of the campus, depending on student reaction in the three test dorms. The service would be paid for through students' housing contracts.

Some residents in Pennypacker are skeptical about the newspaper delivery.

"In theory, it's a good idea; but, seriously, I do not think people are going to take advantage of it," said Melinda Brown (freshman-communications). "The papers are there for those who really want to read them, but I don't think people are going to read them as much as the Collegian."

Brown, Jenkins and several neighbors all agreed making time to read the newspapers was difficult. The group also said many of the newspapers are usually left in front of doors all day and end up being stacked in large piles by garbage cans.

"Honestly -- me and my roommate haven't even read them yet," Imlay said. "To have two kinds of newspapers seems kind of ridiculous."

Despite some negative comments by students in those halls, a lot of E-mail has been received from residents who gave positive responses to the program, said William Asbury, vice president of student affairs.

The idea of giving students free newspapers originated with University President Graham Spanier, said Pat Peterson, assistant vice president of student affairs.

"President Spanier is very interested in knowing whether or not reading different newspapers helps students become more aware of local, national and world issues," Peterson said.

The University will also survey students by asking various questions about reading habits, including frequency of reading and kinds of newspapers read.

The residents of the three selected dorms will receive the newspapers until May 2. A survey will be given at that time to compare with the results of the first survey.

"We're not just simply handing out newspapers for a while," Peterson said. "We're asking, 'Does it make a difference if students read these newspapers?' "

The project is being financed through the President's Office, the Office of Housing and Food Service Operations, Residence Life and the Office of Student Affairs.

"We don't really know where it is going, but we were looking for changes in students' reading habits and opinions," Peterson said. "After we have information, decisions can be made as to what extent we should facilitate newspaper delivery to residence halls."