Penn State officials say that in three years, only one resident assistant (RA) will be in charge of every 100 students living in North Halls. That's an increase of almost 25 students per RA from the current ratio and a potentially scary scenario if all of those 100 students are freshmen adjusting to life in Happy Valley.

Officials are unsure if the displaced RAs will be relocated to other areas, like Pollock Halls, which is in need of RAs. Such a move would alleviate some of the problems caused by the cut in North Halls.

The upheaval in North Halls comes as several buildings are being renovated into suites, and the changes have raised concern about how the quality of life for residents and RAs will be affected. Residence Life Director Diane Andrews said the addition of faculty associates in North Halls will supplement the fewer number of RAs, and added students will receive more contact with faculty members.

Perhaps these faculty advisers will be able to provide more academic guidance for North Halls residents. But it would be illogical to assume that faculty members will be able to adequately advise students who are quarreling with roommates.

It should not be the responsibility of the students to seek out a faculty adviser if their RA -- given the responsibility of overseeing 100 students -- is busy with another resident. These advisers will not be on duty full-time and subsequently will not be able to provide the same resources to residents that full-time RAs do.

And, it's even more absurd to assume these same faculty members will be available in the middle of the night when some of the most detrimental problems unfold for residents. Moreover, residents will most likely be more comfortable talking with a peer about alcohol and drug problems than an adult. It is issues like these that RAs are trained to handle. It is issues like these with which residents should have someone there to help them. After all, we are paying for these services through room and board costs.

As of now, about half of the residents living in North Halls next year will be freshman, Sean Agnew, North Halls area coordinator, said. And there isn't a set plan to limit the number of first-year students moving into the new suites. Regardless of semester standing, all students should have access to the same RA resources. While some students who live on campus do not readily make use of these resources, increasing the ratio of RAs to residents will make it that much more difficult for these students to get to know their RAs.

The loss of RAs will inhibit the interaction between students and RAs which could have significant adverse affects on the lives of the students the university is supposed to be making better.