Letters to the Editor

UCC wristband policy unfair to some students

I was one of the unlucky few, but probably many, students left out of the lottery for the Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds concert because the University Concert Committee secured only a limited number of wristbands for distribution and participation in the ticket lottery.

I am in absolute support of the UCC policy to limit the aggravation and annoyances caused by people waiting in line overnight to purchase tickets; thus the necessity of the lottery.

When I contacted the UCC (after stopping at their HUB office a number of times on Tuesday) I left a semi-scathing message and received a callback within three hours from a member of UCC. He was brave and did the right thing by returning my call -- he represented his organization well. Unfortunately, his response left me wondering how this organization underestimated the attraction of Dave Matthews, arguably the most requested act to appear here at PSU. UCC felt if too many people received wrist bands but didn’t get selected, a large negative reaction would result.

My response to the UCC was that each student who wants a wristband for the lottery should have had the opportunity to receive one. That’s all I wanted. That’s all my friends wanted. If distributing more wristbands reduces the probability of receiving a ticket, so what? At the very least, we would have an opportunity to be in the lottery and maybe purchase a ticket.

In addition, UCC should do a better job disseminating this information to the populace. As of Friday, the Collegian advertisement instructed students to listen to two local radio stations for more details. Why didn’t UCC just put the information in the ad?

I challenge UCC to make a more complete effort in the future and avoid major oversights such as this. Mismanagement eventually affects all consumers.

Jeffrey Geiser
senior-marketing

It pains me to write this letter about an organization that I loved during my Penn State days. The Council of Commonwealth Student Governments is meant to represent the 30,000-plus students at commonwealth campuses. I used to be heavily involved in this organization; just two short years ago, I was president of this organization at a time when the university was restructuring the campuses.

I returned to Happy Valley last year for CCSG’s election to speak on behalf of two young men whom I believed had the drive, the determination and the vision to carry CCSG forward. Little did I know the election had already been decided. The opposing ticket, with the aid of a little bit of public relations and a lot of empty promises, wooed the majority of a council that apparently had its eyes shut that day. How they couldn’t see it still remains a mystery to me. As a result, John Baer and Chuck Stevens became the president and vice president of CCSG.

Since that time, I have attempted to put things into perspective, to give Baer and Stevens a "fair shake" at leading an organization that has much more importance than many give it credit for. Throughout the last nine months, I have seen nothing but bickering, backstabbing, infighting and other behavior more fitting on a child’s playground than in this organization. Baer and Stevens said their duty was to "serve the students of the commonwealth," but when the majority of their staff resigned, Baer and Stevens said "it’s my sandbox and if you don’t like it, you can leave."

I have yet to see the "leaders" of CCSG take a proactive stance on an issue that does not involve the further promotion of their own agendas.

To the students who blindly elected Baer and Stevens, you deserve what you get -- nothing. To the students who are affected by the dismal display of leadership and communication by these two, my sentiments go out to you. It still amazes me that a little less than two years ago, CCSG was one of the most productive student organizations at Penn State. Today, I think my 5-year-old nephew would fit in better.

Timothy Daniels
former president, CCSG
Class of 1997

I’m impressed with Penn State’s commitment to humanizing itself in the last several years. Having a university that really cares about all of its people would be a noble enterprise. Indeed, an admirable goal, and noteworthy accomplishments have been emerging, including diversity advocated in freshman orientation, resident assistant training, development of a multicultural resource center and providing a gay and lesbian resource center.

On the other hand, the decision to deny health benefits to same-sex domestic partners of university employees is a red flag that the university engages in double-speak. Apparently, fear-based institutional needs will marginalize humanizing efforts whenever expedient. Most disappointing. I am angered!

It appears that local legislators, most likely using shallow biblical interpretations and short-term political agendas, are intimidating Penn State on this human-rights issue. Such fear-based threats are inexcusable.

This kind of political behavior is the old knee-jerk "play it my way or I will get you." It’s obviously motivated by fear and not the advocacy of justice for the common good. I expect that our local legislators will search their hearts and reconsider what is best for all people.

Diversity is preached at every level at Penn State. We promote inclusiveness at every turn. The faculty senate’s recommendation provided a golden opportunity for real versus theorized diversity -- and the university leadership blinked! The message is that the university’s diversity table does not have a place for all people. Such double-speak does not uphold a people-caring community. It teaches students that in the real world it is acceptable to speak one way and act another.

Come on, Penn State! Remember the Alma Mater line: "May no act of ours bring shame, to one heart that loves they name. May our lives but swell they fame, dear old State, dear old State."

Well, old State, undo the present shame. Practice what you preach. Be bold. Demonstrate moral commitment. Give us the leadership we deserve. Grant domestic partner benefits.

Carl Synan
campus minister, United Campus Ministry at Penn State