I like the direction in which Loyola is moving.

I am not speaking about Father Byron’s recent proposals regarding the defeminization of the university, the separation of the sexes and the implementation of a dress code for women – although, white blouses, plaid skirts, knee-high stockings and saddle bucks wouldn’t be all that bad.

I’m not even talking about the athletic scholarships that just have been approved – the first at this school since the 1970s.

No, I’m talking about the really important things.

I’m talking about the new fence that’s been up since we got back from Christmas break.

I think it’s vital that we stop walking through the grass that lies between the old library and Monroe Hall.

I also like what they’ve done with the old library, but I’ll get to that in a second.

Why is it so terrible to have a dirt path there?

Is it really that much of an eyesore?

Personally, I think it gives the place a little character, and of course, it provides for a faster, much less congested route to class than the ramp walkway connected to the old library.

Speaking of that walkway, I really like what is being done to the handrails.

The rusted grey paint job was beyond unacceptable – it was a travesty.

People invest a lot in this university, both time and money, and they deserve to rest their hands on shiny black railings as they are herded through the walkway, no matter what the cost may be.

Now, getting back to the old library itself, I’m glad to see what they have done with that building.

In the nearly four years my fellow seniors and I have been here, the old library has been used for all of, well, nothing.

It’s a perfectly good building, but it really should just sit there.

Some may say that it could be used for something, anyway, such as a place for students to study, at the very least during finals.

But come on, now. Just because it’s there doesn’t mean it should be used.

After all, Loyola hasn’t been able to add onto the old library as outlined in the East/West Proposal, so any use at all is simply out of the question.

I agree with the university – I think it’s important to stick to your guns.

And hey, at least the walkway, what with the newly-painted handrails and all, is getting some use now that the fence is up.

The university finally has shown that it can prioritize.