To the Editor:
A number of months ago a column was published in The Dartmouth expressing opposition to the inauguration of the Graduate Assistant initiative. Arguments were voiced concerning Dartmouth's longstanding status as a "college" as opposed to a "university," and hence it was supposedly necessary to uphold this time-honored principle by maintaining the separation of graduate students from the undergraduate residence halls. The GA program was considered a threat to the character of our College, so unique among the Ivy League.
We have passed the halfway mark of the academic year, and it is time to evaluate the validity of these criticisms. They just don't hold up. All I need to stop the argument against the GA program is the particular instance of Len Wisniewski, a Ph.D. candidate who lives in my cluster of Wheeler/Richardson. He generously donates his time to virtually all of our cluster activities. Len often gives people rides to where they need to go. When a toaster was required for our recent "Breakfast for a Buck," we knew whom to ask.
Our Graduate Assistant, as well as becoming involved in pre-planned cluster events, has made such a success out of one of his own initiatives that it has become a staple in Wheeler/Richardson. Tuesday night's legendary, not to mention well-attended, "Fireside Chats" in Len's room provide a much needed chance for residents to come on over, jam on his six-foot basketball hoop, grab a couple of munchies, relax and hang out with some great company. The life of a graduate student is very busy and often stressful, but Len's door is almost always open. I personally have benefited by discussing with Len my interest in computer science, his field of expertise. Thus is fulfilled one of the program's original goals - providing a mentor to the cluster's undergraduate residents.
I have no idea whether the success of this single instance has been achieved in the other clusters where Graduate Assistants live, but Len Wisniewski shows what the GA program at its best can do. To me, the tremendous positive impact of Len on Wheeler/Richardson has made the whole initiative worthwhile. It is one deserving of support from the student body.
JACOB WEGMANN '97
