I think the two most important issues regarding the Pathways plan are commitment and communication.

Loyola’s students and faculty showed a great degree of commitment to the university by returning after Hurricane Katrina. Many faculty had damage to their homes. Many students were offered acceptance to the universities at which they relocated after the storm. In spite of these things, more than 90 percent of the Loyola community returned.

Loyola students showed commitment before Katrina, as well. When someone comes to Loyola and chooses a major, he commits his next four years to a particular study and a particular school. When accepting a student, Loyola commits to educating that student for four years in his chosen field. Despite new majors and transfers, I think students rightly expect that when they commit to a course of study, they will be able to complete that course of study.

No informed person would deny that changes to a university’s offerings must occasionally be made. At the same time, I think most people expect that these changes will only affect future classes, not current classes.

Thus, the highest commitment Loyola could make would be to allow all currently enrolled students to complete their degrees. Of course, no informed person would deny that Hurricane Katrina makes things more complicated. While certainly not enjoyable, it is understandable that Loyola’s having to make some sudden change; but there are some areas where I think Loyola has fallen short of an appropriate level of commitment – most notably in communications.

Loyola has promised personal contact with those whose programs are proposed for elimination to discuss options. Speaking only for myself, I have yet to receive such contact. Loyola has promised department-level meetings to discuss options, but I have heard only of academic advisers being available. Without denying my own responsibility, I feel Loyola has a responsibility to contact and advise its students. Furthermore, I think it is Loyola’s responsibility to make comprehensive plans rather than simply dealing with students individually as they request assistance. A meeting between myself and an adviser could help me, but a meeting with my department and the administrators would help all my fellow majors. Such meetings have been promised, but I have yet to see one. Perhaps they are coming in the near future, but every day is important.

That brings me to my final point: timing. I have heard rumors that suggest the discontinuation of certain programs has been in planning for months. Whether these rumors are true or not, telling students in April that their programs may be discontinued before they can graduate is telling them too late. Application deadlines are already passed, and this plan will not even be official until May 19. By that time, what options will be available? Will Loyola research and disseminate information about the available options? Do students have time to wait and see? What will incoming freshmen do? Am I asking too many rhetorical questions?

Daniel Straight is a sophomore computer science.