By ERIC NEILSON
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Whether on social media or in the Charger Bulletin, complaints run rampant. It’s sad to see students would much rather complain than do something to improve our dispositions here at the University of New Haven. I know Bartels doesn’t compare to five-star restaurants, and I know transportation isn’t always there for me, but I don’t resort to bad mouthing the institution that’s providing me with a higher education. I find alternatives. Unfortunately, it seems like some students expect everything to be handed to them on a silver platter. Let’s face it: the real world isn’t as generous as the homes you were brought up in.
As many of you know, I was an Orientation Leader over the summer. My job was to inform incoming freshmen about the opportunities and resources the University has to offer and how you can use them to make the most of your college experience. We covered the whole gamut: tutoring at the CLR, campus dining locations, the Career Development Center, transportation, etc. We were generous and open about our knowledge and tips for success. Each speaker at SOAR, including us OLs, was willing to answer any questions. Do you want to know what the common trend was? Silence. Sure, incoming freshmen don’t know what they are getting into, but the University always looks for feedback to better accommodate our needs year round. Again, it seems the student body disregards the numerous online surveys and suggestion cards, unless candy is provided. Even with the tasty incentive, the majority of students walk by, which in turn is an implicit acceptance of the food they complain about.
Through the haze of complaints students fail to see the improvements Sodexo has made. Near the entrance of the Marketplace where Willy stands, there is a new section that offers gluten-free products. Sodexo is also quick to address written suggestions, so ask for something if you don’t see it-this worked for me last year when I didn’t see garlic at the omelet bar. Without proper feedback, Sodexo will assume everyone is content with the food.
In an article in a previous issue of the Charger Bulletin, a writer claimed that 75 percent of students are unaware of campus and local happenings. Who is to blame here for this “lack of knowledge?” It’s definitely not the media. Student Activities, the Charger Bulletin, and WNHU all provide and abundance of information about what’s going on both on and off campus. There seems to be a lack of effort to tune in—radio pun intended. Plus, all resident assistants should be able to provide information about how you can get to said events. If none of the above can provide you with the information, then google it. That’s one of the many wonders of the internet. If you choose not to put in a little time to get the information you want, then that’s where the problem lies.
We, the students, are well aware of the complaints about the University, so you are preaching to the choir. What we have here is a failure to properly communicate. Think about why the shuttle bus might not be on time. Maybe there is a heavy volume of traffic on the Post. Maybe the bus needed gas. Consider why a Courtesy Van isn’t available at your convenience. It’s not your personal chauffeur: there are at least 4000 other students it needs to tend as well. If you are unsatisfied with “’Barf’tels,” then try Jeffery’s Fusion or the Hazel Nut Café. The prices aren’t outrageous: in fact, some of the items are equivalent in price to a red Solo cup you may buy at a party. When something doesn’t meet your expectations here on campus, try doing one of two things: get involved with a relevant club or organization that strives to better the issue, or provided adequate feedback through the proper means. The time and effort spent complaining would be better spent in other areas—it would be more fulfilling too!
