North Carolina Newspapers

10 THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004 EDITORIALS PRESERVING HISTORY Trustees and Campus Y members should compromise on uses and means of funding in order to protect the icon of student activity. Six years ago, the Board of Trustees made a deci sion to keep the historic Campus Y building standing. In return, the leadership of the Y campus organization agreed to find the money to renovate the building through private funds. That fundraising has run into numerous setbacks, and last week, the leadership of the Y returned to the board, asking the trustees to reevaluate the situation and allow the University to provide the Y with the state funds so the building could be renovated. But they left the meeting with more questions than answers. Instead of making a decision on the question of raising funds, board members asked Chairman Richard “Stick” Williams to create a taskforce that would examine alternative venues to house the Campus Y organization. Once that question was answered, they insisted, the board would discuss the future of the Campus Y facility. The time for inaction has long since passed. Chancellor Moeser told the board, “By not taking action, we are gradually allowing this building to be destroyed.” The second and third floors of the facil ity have been condemned since 1949. Mold spread ing from the University-operated snack bar com bined with several instances of flood damage have since closed the basement. Even on a campus celebrated for buildings with historical significance, the Y is one of its most sto ried. The Campus Y organization first took up resi dence in the facility when the building was opened in 1906. Frank Porter Graham served his terms as the student president and the director of the Y in this building. Thomas Wolfe wrote his plays on the third floor. The Y organized the first intramural sports program and the first movies in Chapel Hill were shown there. It is no stretch to say that the Y stands beside the Old Well, the Bell Tower, and Davie Poplar in terms of significance to current students and alums. One EXCESSIVE MEASURE A potential change in UNC policy to allow fixed advertising in the Smith Center and Kenan Stadium isn’t warranted by budget shortfalls. -jr ■▼hen Major League Baseball tried to put 1/1/ advertisements for the new “Spider-Man 2” T V movie on its bases, the organization became tangled in a web of controversy. The UNC Department of Athletics hasn’t put itself in as sticky a situation, but the University might resort to similar promotional measures out of necessity. A UNC Board of Trustees task force made a rec ommendation May 27 to investigate fixed signage at the University’s two most prominent sports facilities the Smith Center and Kenan Stadium. The Rams Club the booster organization that funds athletic scholarships at the University faced a $300,000 shortfall last year that is expected to increase to $500,000 for 2005. The (Raleigh) News & Observer reported last Thursday that N.C. State University brings in approximately $1,000,000 from permanent signage at their football and basketball arenas. TIME FOR AN UPDATE Student leaders’ efforts to clarify ambiguous provisions in the Student Code are commendable, but steps are needed to ensure implementation. rrihe Daily Tar Heel reported last Thursday that I student leaders are taking measures toward -L revising the student code. The need to update the constitution was high lighted in the last election cycle during the campaign violations proceedings. Several of the interpretations made by Board of Elections officials regarding the student code were debated by former and current members of student government. Newly appointed solicitor general and former speaker pro tem of Student Congress Matt Liles should take the task seriously. Student government officials should validate then work by preparing concrete proposals. Their work is important and they shouldn’t allow members of Congress to regard it as a set of offhand suggestions developed during the summer. Student Body President Matt Calabria told The Daily Tar Heel last week that his administration is EDITORS' NOTE: The above editorials are the opinions of solely The Daily Tar Heel Editorial Board, which were reached after open debate. The board consists of two board members, the editorial page editor and the DTH editor. The 2004 summer DTH editor decided not to vote on the board and not to write board editorials. READERS’ FORUM US Rep. Richard Burr failed N.C. farmers in buyout debate TO THE EDITOR: \ I would like to commend the Editorial Board for its condemnation of President Bush’s unwise position on the tobacco buyout. However, how can you let Richard Burr off the hook? Burr says the President needs more “education” on the issue. Well, who better to give him a lesson than one of North Carolina’s elected representatives in Washington? Congressman Burr has con sistently failed the farmers of his state by not aggressively advocating for a tobacco buyout. Burr wants to be our next senator, but our farmers and our state cannot afford someone who will drop the ball. Erskine Bowles, on the other hand, has always advocated for the tobacco buyout and has pledged to make it a priority during his term in Washington. President Bush is wrong on this issue, but he is not the only one at fault. The Editorial Board needs to hold Richard Burr accountable as well. Justin Guillory Senior President, UNC Young Democrats would just as soon see the Y demolished as find Carolina’s stone walls replaced with picket fences. But the possibility of housing the Y in any other facility seems just as strange as demolishing the building for which the group is named. Several trustees suggested the Campus Y organi zation might be better situated in the new Student Services Building, set to be housed on South Campus. But none of the plans regarding the building’s usage have incorporated housing a student organi zation that lays claim to more than 1200 registered members. The organization for any pre-existing building would have to be reshuffled, and chances are almost certain that this would leave someone out in the cold. Similarly, finding room for the Campus Y in the Student Union would mean displacing any number of other student organizations. And even were adequate room to exist elsewhere on campus, there is the principle of the thing. The Campus Y is the only facility set aside for student use north of the Student Union. North Campus was once the center of student life. Now, it’s the formal living room, where students are allowed to learn but not play. The proposal before the board includes a faculty lounge, a redesigned Blue Room snack bar with an outdoor terrace and two new classrooms. Y Co s Derwin Dubose said in an email, “(We have) raised the money necessary to cover the part of the building designated specifically for the Y. The remaining funds are for University and shared space.” While it is encouraging to see the BOT evaluating how its decisions will impact campus affairs, any hesitation on the part of tmstees could mean further damage to the building’s structure. The Board of Trustees should decide to allow the University to see the Campus Y through its renova tion without delay. But it’s important to note that Carter-Finley Stadium and the RBC Centura center are both off campus locations that students never pass by on their way to class. For UNC to bring permanent sig nage into its sports facilities would have much more important implications for campus life than the poli cies implemented at N.C. State. According to the N&O, the proposal’s language also left open the possibility of a more comprehen sive partnership between the University and corpo rate sponsors. These are questions that the University should deal with as a community. They are certainly bigger than a $500,000 shortfall that could conceivably be covered through other avenues unpleasant as they might be. The solutions being investigated involve funding and policy implications for the University that aren’t warranted by a financial problem in athletics. UNC officials should take another look at other options. serious about the student code revisions. “It’s important not to deal with this flippantly,” he said. Student leaders should stay in communication with Congress members as much as is reasonable in order to gauge their response to specific sets of revisions. Certainly, the officials involved with the informal task force are no strangers to the workings of student government. There’s nothing wrong with meeting in an informal setting, but proposals should be pre pared carefully and should demonstrate the seri ousness of the task at hand. There are many quirks throughout the massive student code that should be clarified. If leaders expect to make substantial contributions, they should be prepared to sell their suggestions, not just to fix what appears to be an obvious problem. It’s a noble goal and leaders should be commended for their efforts let’s just make sure it works. Campus Y seeks summer volunteers for SET program TO THE EDITOR: During the lazy days of summer ses sion, it’s easy to get bored. If you’re look ing for something to keep you occupied during the summer, check out the Campus Y. This summer we need short term vol unteers to help us with our Students Engaging in Technology for the Future (SET) program. Students coach UNC workers in basic computers skills, at a mutually agreeable time and place. This is a great way to touch someone’s life and have a interesting summer experience. For more information contact me, Erika Stallings (estallin@email.unc.edu) or Kesha Tysor at 962-2333. Erika Stallings Sophomore Biology University efforts to strengthen CAPS commendable, worthwhile TO THE EDITOR: The loss by suicide of two more of UNC’s bright, creative, and talented stu dents is a great sadness but I am so Editorial Page ON THE DAY’S NEWS *Money is the barometer of a society’s virtue.” AYN RAND, WRITER AND PHILOSOPHER EDITORIAL CARTOON COMMENTARY Chapel Hill value surpasses typical ‘college town’ worth Tr yhen you’re heading up to lA/ Franklin Street, past the V Y stone walls, there’s a dif ference to note. The sudden shift between the University and the town isn’t night and day. It runs more like clockwork. Whether ambling through the arboretum or making for the Carolina Inn, change lies just ahead. The average person doesn’t ruminate the University’s bound aries, but there is an unseen bor der it’s a testament to Chapel Hill that the line is never felt. I was raised in Durham, often frequenting Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, where my parents worked. When the time came for college applications, friends asked me why I chose UNC and listed out-of-state schools as back-ups. It’s simple when it comes to setting, Chapel Hill can’t be beat en. It’s a college town in the truest sense: not just a town with a uni versity or a collective of stores to service the school. Once you hit Franklin it’s anew ball game, but with the ease of the crossover and the rich local atmosphere, there’s little difference to question. The balance is spot-on. New students take note this town is one of a rare kind. % There’s no question about UNC’s status as a formidable institution. It consistently ranks among the top five public schools in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report. It’s listed as one of the nation’s best values while both hosting and producing a long list of nationally recognized academics. The swell of pride that any alum feels when he or she hears the fight song or catches a glimpse of that familiar blue is unequaled. But the University reputable as it may be— isn’t an island. Carolina’s draw comes not merely from superlatives, but from its surroundings. A school’s locale is often filed under a blan ket category, but around here it’s a more-than-typical mix. Telling someone you live in Chapel Hill often elicits the same response cocked head, under standing nod and one single con- pleased to know that the university is lis tening to our pleas to strengthen CAPS. At times tragedy can lead to change for the better. It was one of my daughter Erin’s greatest wishes that the school she was so proud to attend become more sup portive of the many students who strug gle with a mental illness. Her loss through suicide last January has devastated our family, but in the midst of our grief, we see that there are blessings. If CAPS can save even one student from her fate, the fund ing now in place for CAPS to hire more staff will be so worthwhile. Please support and fund CAPS so that UNC can lead the universities in this country in education and services to fight mental illness!! Debbie Cody Winston-Salem TO SUBMIT A LETTER: The Daily Tar Heel welcomes reader comments. Letters to the editor should be no longer than 300 words and must be typed, double spaced, dated and signed by no more than two people. Students should include their year, major and phone number. Faculty and staff should include their title, department and phone number. The DTH reserves the right to edit letters for space, clarity and vulgarity. Publication is not guaranteed. Bring letters to the DTH office at Suite 104, Carolina Union, mail them to P.O. Box 3257, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 or e-mail forum to: editdesk@unc.edu. —— Wk&sr mmm^* m yflSrßM\ ®ljr Srahi Sar Heri PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS STAFF Business and Advertising: Paul Isom, director/general man ager; Chrissy Beck, director of marketing; Lisa Reichle, business manager. Customer Service: Annette Parker, Kia Thacker and Ada Wilson, representatives. Arts & Entertainment: Robbie Mackey, Becca Moore, Adam Rodman, Tanner Slayden and Kristen Williams. City: Shannan Bowen, Emma Burgin, Lindsey Listrom,Catherine Sharoky and Virginia Wooten. Design: Amy Dombrower. Graphics: Jacquelyn Pyun. Editorial: Matt Compton, edit board member; Elliott Dube, columnist; Evann Strathern, car toonist. The Daily Tar Heel is published by the DTH Publishing Corp., a non-profit North Carolina cor poration, Monday-Friday, according to the University calendar. Callers with questions about (BR~ billing or display advertising should call 962-1163 jjJS' between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Classified ads can be reached at 962-0252. Editorial questions should be lc .. directed to 962-0245. ISN #10709436 OFFICE: Suite 2409 Carolina Union CAMPUS MAIL ADDRESS: CB# 5210, Carolina Union U.S. MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box 3257, Chapel Hill, NC 27515- 3257 r 't" # Ytm PHILIP MCFEE SUMMER EDITOR firmation “college town.” Yes, it’s a college town in that there’s a university adjacent to the municipal area, but that’s like rel egating New York to port-exclu sive status for its waterfront activ ity. The winning side of Chapel Hill is that it’s a town that has merits completely independent of the University, but still manages to mesh well with the college lifestyle. Consider both ends of the spec trum. So-called college towns run the gamut from minimal outlying burgs to imposing cities. Blacksburg, Va., is a town of approximately 40,000 that touts a 20 to 24-year-old demographic that makes up 40 percent of the population. It’s a picturesque area that’s ultimately carried by the college leaving little in the way of variety, let alone a fleshed-out downtown area. Alternately, Yale’s neighbor hood, the 125,000-person New Haven, Conn., has a 20 to 24- year-old population that counts for just more than 11 percent of the overall make-up. The area places one of the nation’s top Universities on a pedestal but only because it’s unable to closely connect with a large, formerly industrial city. Chapel Hill, the college town, has a just under a quarter of its 50,000 residents coming from Generation Y, giving the University side representation, but not an overbearing presence. The street runs both ways. UNC’s campus is just as inviting to town members as Umstead Park is, making the town-gown connec tion more scenic than stratified. The integration across the stone walls is nigh seamless produc ing a mutual benefit that enhances the University and the town. Plus, Display Advertising: Andy Lunnen and Megan Gilchrist, account executives. Advertising Production: Penny Persons, manager.' Classified Production: Cindy Huntley. EDITORIAL STAFF Photography: Megan Barry, Mike Gibson, Peter Stone and Sarah Whitmeyer. State & National: Alex Granados, Whitney Isenhower and Mark Puente. University: Jennifer Kawka, Fred Lameck and Caroline Komegay. Editorial Production: Stacy Wynn, manager. Printing: Triangle Web. Distribution: Triangle Circulation Services. ©jp laily ®ar By Evann Strathern, evann@email.unc.edu Chapel Hill has neighbors. The ease with which one can access nearby Raleigh and Durham metropolitan areas also deserves note. For variety and ease of urban-collegiate interaction, one would have to look to Boston and Cambridge to stay on par. And local improvements roll on, further joining the Piedmont geographically and culturally. The region’s growth means more than new museums and Interstate 40 construction, it signifies a intra town union that’s nationally noted. In a recent issue of Forbes, the Research Triangle Park was rated the number two Best Place for Business. In 2003, the IHangle topped the lists for Best Place to Live with both MSN and the Employment Review. The local accolades aren’t all post-collegiate in nature, either. The Forbes Places Rated Almanac, Millennium Edition ranked the TViangle cities as num ber one in education. The region’s color, educational avenues and economic backbone continually pull others in from around the country and, after liv ing in the region, it’s hard to settle for something else. I never seriously considered attending a school in another part of the country because the option never crossed my mind. I love it here, and anyone new to the area would have to fight to avoid feel ing the same way I do. When students at the University hear mention of Chapel Hill, they should feel the same deep-down pride, the same emotional stirrings they feel when looking on the Old Well. The town of Chapel Hill nei ther defines UNC nor is defined by UNC —and that’s what makes it perfect. Together, they’re a pair of communities, connected without borders. So next time you’re on Franklin Street and hear the familiar peal of the Bell Tower, remember that you’re here —and, if it’s home, nothing could be finer. Contact Philip McFee at pip@email.unc.edu. Established 1893 111 years of editorialfreedom laily (Ear Hrrl www.dattytafhßei.Gom PHILIP MCFEE SUMMER EDITOR LAURA YOUNGS MANAGING EDITOR JEFF KIM EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR CHRIS COLETTA STATE & NATIONAL EDITOR JOSEPH R. SCHWARTZ CITY EDITOR BRIAN HUDSON UNIVERSITY EDITOR DANIEL BLANK ’ SPORTS EDITOR * GILLIAN BOLSOVER PHOTO EDITOR MICHAEL PUCCI ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT / FEATURES EDITOR DAVID LORIMER COPY EDITOR RANDI DEMAGISTRIS DESIGN EDITOR MARY JANE KATZ GRAPHICS EDITOR If you have any concerns or comments about our coverage, please contact our management staff at pip@email.uno.edu or call at 962-0245.