Let committee fulfill its purpose

In response to the article "Campus aesthetics should reflect top-notch status" (Forum, April 23, 2013):

While it is clear that there are areas around the campus that need to be repaired and maintained better, the way in which you cite the shortcomings of campus upkeep seems to me to be against the fundamental principles of Brandeis; it would be more appropriate to voice your opinions in a constructive manner as to better the community.

As a Student Union, specifically the Senate Campus Operations Work Group Committee, it is our job to be in contact with these administrators and be the eyes and ears of the student body. COWG has enjoyed a very positive relationship with the administration that has led to our seeing vast improvements across campus including renovations in residence halls, academic buildings, road pavement, our campus grounds and other areas on campus. The issues that you talked about within your article are ones that could have been easily resolved through the COWG committee.

In addition, we would like to point out that Mark Collins, the senior vice president for administration, is responsible for campus operations and the facilities department. Anyone who has ever worked with Collins knows that he is an ally of the students and is always willing to listen to and resolve student concerns regarding facilities and many other aspects of this campus.

The COWG committee would like to make it known to all students that your voices are heard when you have concerns regarding facilities. During the next academic year, we will continue our efforts to bring student issues to the attention of the administration and to work toward resolving them and make sure that our committee has a known presence on campus.

I would encourage all my fellow students to chip in and contribute to making our campus look top notch: When you see trash on the ground, pick it up; when you smoke your cigarette, put the butt in a cigarette post; when there are small facilities issues, fill in a work order (http://www.brandeis.edu/facilities/); and when there are larger issues, reach out to us. It takes a community of proactive members to work together to make our campus and home the place we want it to be.

-Theodore Choi '13
-Charlotte Franco '15

Theodore Choi is a Senator at Large and chair of the Campus Operations Work Group Committee for the Student Union. Charlotte Franco is a Senator at Large and Vice President elect of the Student Union.