Last semester I studied in D.C. and returned to find myself in a compromising position. Many would say the housing process here needs repair, but especially so when a student signs a lease and has no off-campus approval because the official response is to either handle the situation yourself or tough luck. That’s where I found myself when I was notified last November that I was not approved after signing a lease in July.

Now, I’m living in a Garden Apartment because I had trouble finding a sublet to take over my lease; I’m footing the bill for both apartments. It’s here where I give credit to Marie Abb and Jennifer Wofford of Graduate and Professional Studies who offered to help by going through their networks of Ithaca College and Cornell   University students.

While looking for a solution, I spoke to Residential Life and Judicial Affairs, including director Bonnie Solt-Prunty, who graciously engaged in a conference call while I was in D.C., and my father in Texas. Even President Tom Rochon, whom I met at an alumni event, was unable to flex some administrative muscle to pull strings. Surprisingly, only student organizations — Student Government Association and Residence Hall Association — neglected to respond to my letters.

It hurts knowing the institution to which I feel connected is so heedless. Rochon said in last week’s Q&A, “It’s absolutely amazing the amount of times alumni and students tell me that someone stepped up to help them personally at an important moment.” Shouldn’t I be able to say this about the institution — not just some of the great people holding it together? A higher standard of responsiveness is necessary for offices whose operations make or break the educational experience we have.

Edward Wycliff ’11