Jim Ravelli (The Beacon)
By Jim Ravelli, Guest Commentary
Last week The Beacon reported on plans to move Campus Ministry into St. Mary's and displace a portion of the space that The Beacon and The Log currently occupy. Over the course of this week, I have received several letters and signed petitions asking that the administration reconsider its decision. I would like to acknowledge these letters and also articulate some of the specifics that went into the decision.
I would first like to acknowledge the importance of The Beacon and The Log on this campus and assure students that we value their work. I recognize and support the mission of our student newspaper to report the news and create a healthy dialogue within our community and for the yearbook to publish an accurate chronicle of each year.
The Beacon and The Log will continue to be housed in St. Mary's, as was always the plan. St. Mary's is being redesigned to accommodate the relocation of the Office of Campus Ministry. The Beacon currently occupies over 1,100 square feet, and will be reduced by approximately half. By comparison, our largest classroom, which seats over 85 students, has 1,500 square feet. The Log will return to a space that it had previously occupied until two years ago.
The decision to make this move was not taken lightly. I spoke to a number of people about this move and the resultant changes. This included Fr. Gerry Olinger, vice president for Student Affairs, and Jeromy Koffler, the director of Student Activities (who also serves as the St. Mary's building manager). While I did not speak directly to Nancy Copic, the adviser to Student Media, I was informed that she participated in a discussion with Jeromy regarding these changes. These are the University staff members who are charged with the responsibility to oversee and supervise our student media. Their perspectives and suggestions were strongly considered and were incorporated in the final design.
I understand that students who work in The Beacon and The Log are being impacted by this decision and have a strong affinity for the space. I empathize that this decision has presented certain challenges for the staffs affected, but have confidence that we can work together to minimize the overall impact and to meet specific needs.
Tough decisions have to be made to balance the growing and changing needs of the University community. With the changes in Library operations next year, there is a need for more study space on campus. Part of the decision to move Campus Ministry from Mehling Hall was to restore additional study rooms to campus.
Additionally, I considered the importance of placing Campus Ministry in close proximity to the Moreau Center due to their shared mission. On this campus, faith has never been disconnected from service, and as an institution, the University sees it as important that these two departments work in close proximity allowing for greater synergy in their work.
In the end, the University realizes this is a difficult decision for members of both The Beacon and The Log. I want assure everyone, however, that this decision was made after much thought and in consultation with those who would be affected by such a decision. The University continues to be committed to working with both The Beacon and The Log to ensure that they are able to continue providing their important contributions to the campus community.
