I was recently selected to receive a dorm contract for the 2002-03 academic year. However, I decided to live off campus next year. Since I didn't want the contract to go to waste, my friend and I went up to the Shields Building to have it transferred to his name.

I am not familiar with the technicalities surrounding a contract transfer, but you would think that the people who work there would be knowledgeable since they are the one's who have to answer the questions of students.

My friend asked if he could be placed in the lottery for the Nittany Apartments. For those of you who don't know, which included myself up until this afternoon, if you receive a regular space dorm contract it can't be transferred as a regular room. It must be transferred as supplemental housing.

OK, no problem with that, right? Well, the secretary informed him he couldn't be placed in any lottery if he has a supplemental contract. My friend was more familiar with the contract process, and he argued that he could be placed in the lottery.

After a few minutes of argument, this woman decided to check. And guess what? He was right.

Half hour of our time wasted, and not even an apology.

Basically, I was pretty disgusted with the service we received. Is this the type of employment that our tuitions are used for to pay their salaries?

I sincerely hope not.