I have marveled at Penn State's apparent short-sightedness before, but this is the first time I have actually been astounded by their inability to perceive student needs and concerns.

Yesterday, a sign went up on my building (Tener Hall) warning that the construction schedule for Lot 80 required that construction crews begin work Thursday through Saturday of this week. The sign stated that the sounds of construction would "not exceed normal road noise."

So here I am, less than a week before final exams, trying to write a term paper while I listen to crews digging up the ground outside my building and across the street. I don't know where the university administration comes from, but here at Penn State the banging and clanking of bulldozers and trucks, the squeal of truck brakes and the deep thrum of large engines, the yelling of crew members (to be heard over the noise, no doubt) and the ear-shatteringly loud warning beeps of backing construction vehicles 10 yards from your home are not "normal road noise."

This is a university. This is the eve of final exams. I have a paper due, a test today and two exams on Monday. How am I supposed to study this weekend with the constant noise?

Does the university have any consideration, or indeed any common sense, if it can schedule construction right next to the residence halls in the four days prior to exam week? I am beyond angry at this callousness and complete disrespect for student-residents.