Lurz has 'naive' perception of RAs
As a second-year resident adviser in Forbes College and as someone who has participated in the RA and MAA selection process, I feel it is important to respond to John Lurz '02's rather naive, or at the very least incomplete, discussion of what makes a good RA.
RAs and MAAs are supposed to serve as more than simple resources for their freshmen. They are expected to nurture freshmen, to help them become comfortable, content and — most importantly — responsible citizens of the Princeton community.
Going to the 'Street' or being a member of a club does not, as Lurz correctly implies in his Feb. 11 piece, immediately undermine an individual's capacity to be a wonderful RA or MAA. However, engaging in risky and unhealthy behavior at the 'Street' does. Princeton is, as we all know, a very small community. Word of drunken or risky sexual behavior gets around very quickly. Were freshmen to discover that their RA or MAA was acting irresponsibly, not only would their RA or MAA lose credibility, they would also lose their moral authority in the eyes of freshmen. Worse still, freshmen would feel like a gaping hole had been ripped in the social safety net around them. How could an RA be counted on to protect freshmen if the RA, too, seemed to be in need of protection?
If anyone was, as Lurz insinuates, denied the position of RA or MAA solely because they appeared at the 'Street' from time to time, then that is wrong. But if the behavior the RA and MAA candidates engaged in at the 'Street' led the college to question their ability to act responsibly and encourage freshmen to act responsibly, then the right decision was undoubtedly made. Michael Bosworth '00
Sick students not stranded
I am responding to David Morris '03's column in yesterday's issue of the 'Prince.' In case there are other students out there who need assistance with the stomach flu or any other health concern, I am writing to let you know that Princeton University Health Services is here to serve you. The Inpatient Services at McCosh Health Center is open 24 hours a day to provide care for students who are too ill to care for themselves. Please call us at 258-3139 after 5 p.m. and before 9 a.m., or 258-3141 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to let us know what your problem is.
We'll provide advice over the telephone and arrange for transportation to the health center if you are unable to get here under your own steam.
You are not alone — a team of health professionals stands ready to assist you. Pamela A. Bowen, M.D., M.P.H., Director Princeton University Health Services
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