Editorial Refining the Commons for the Here and Now and The Refugee Experience from Tanzania to Kenyon Arena

Author: Jonathan White

Refining the Commons for the Here and Now

Last week's annual room draw again saw the redistribution of student residences for the new academic year. Each year, students go to room draw and pick rooms based partially on their commons assignment, but with the option to switch commons. The chaos of room draw highlights one of the weaknesses of the commons system in allowing students to switch their living assignments and therefore switch their commons affiliation.
We support giving students the chance to live where they chose, yet the musical chairs played in switching commons highlights the problem of a lack of continuity in supervision by deans, not to mention the loss of a commons-inspired sense of community.
A touchstone of the commons system is the decentralized dean's offices, with their strategic locations inside many first-year dorms. This allows students to form valuable support networks and friendships with administrators. The concept is highly merited and useful to first-year students. What becomes, however, of these and other commons social networks beyond a student's first year?
In many cases, students switch out of their commons, leaving behind the interactions of their first year. Personal relationships with deans begin afresh.
Middlebury College prides itself on the accessibility of its faculty and administrators. We do not see this commitment wavering, only an area where it could be improved. In several years, students will have opportunities to remain within their commons as new dorms come on-line for Atwater and later Brainerd Commons. Yet for the here and now, students should retain relationships with their first-year deans, if they so chose, based not merely on continued personal interaction, but with the option to refer to a dean with whom they feel they have a rapport.
The commons system is not perfect yet. Its vision will take a number of years to come into fruition as a positive step for Middlebury. In the meantime, we suggest that students retain relationships with first-year deans both of their own volition and also in a manner that is recognized by the College regardless of changed living arrangements.


The Refugee Experience from Tanzania to Kenyon Arena

A one-of-a-kind event will take place Saturday in Kenyon Arena. Organized by senior Brian Hoyer and representing the culmination of hard work by a multitude students, the Middlebury Refugee Camp Simulation brings home to Middlebury a snapshot of the profound social problems many African nations face.
Too often Africa is overlooked in the world media and mindset, yet the suffering of people on the continent is too real to be ignored. It calls for awareness, charity and compassion. The situation also demands education if problems are to be solved. The first-hand experience of Middlebury students putting on the simulation should make the event as "real" as possible and begin this educational process.
Moreover, the United States, especially of late, has been viewed with a lack of generosity and esteem. Though our country may or may not be the world's policeman, we are its most powerful economy and home to millions concerned about the suffering of others. As students at both an American and international university, we should embrace this opportunity to learn about Africa so that we might not merely help, but also tackle the perceived international image of Americans as selfish and aloof. We have a tremendous capacity in this nation and on this campus to do good and in this respect, The Campus hopes that the simulation is well-attended. We also commend the efforts of the simulation's organizers.