AS ANOTHER semester draws to a close at the University, I have decided to compile a list of cheers and jeers from this semester.
Cheers: University students' generosity. In the aftermath of Sept. 11, University students came together like they have really never done in the past. The generosity in giving blood, or the thoughtfulness of students who attended teach-ins showed what this University is all about. There is no counter "jeers" to this. The response to Sept. 11 was just one super job by University students, faculty and staff.
Cheers: Men's soccer. They had a tremendous regular season and provided entertaining and exciting games for their fans. It is a shame that they were defeated by Seton Hall in the playoffs, because they deserved the national title.
Jeers: Football. A very disappointing year for our football team. Their inconsistency was their downfall, and the loss against Virginia Tech was downright awful. But this was Al Groh's first year, so cut the team some slack. In a mini cheer within a jeer, Billy McMullen had a hell of a season, and the Cavalier faithful certainly appreciate his efforts.
Cheers: Cavalier Daily course evaluations. University students now have a reliable and dependable way to find out which classes and professors are good and which are not. Remember that the evaluation system only works if students fill them out, so everyone should fill out a few for their lasses after they take finals.
Jeers: Echols Council Course Recommendation Book. For years, this provided the University with course evaluations, and since Echols Scholars wrote most of them, they had lots of big words. But this year it became apparent that the recommendations had not been updated in some time. The Echols Council is working on the problem and it should be fixed by next semester or next year.
Cheers: Student Council. After years of inactivity, Student Council was able to have successful efforts this semester in curbing the "Not Gay" chant and getting the University to divest its stock from companies who do business in Burma.
Jeers: Student Council Fall Elections. Nobody votes in them, so it's time to stop having them.
Cheers: Dinning hall food. It's not getting worse, so at least that's a start.
Jeers: Prices at the Bookstore and Pavilion XI. Why does the University think that it has the right to rip off students with its outrageous prices?
Cheers: End of "Not Gay" chant. It's about time.
Jeers: The stupid posters that say on them "NOT JEWISH," "NOT BLACK" or "NOT ASIAN." Apparently they are trying to make a point about how stupid the "not gay" chant is. Well these posters were stupid too. Jews, Asians and African-Americans have worked hard to become an important part of the University. There is no reason to put up posters like that, no matter what the intention.
Cheers: Plans to improve the infrastructure of the University. A new basketball stadium is coming, and Cabell Hall finally will be torn down and replaced. A new Student Center also is in the works. Many of us will have graduated by the time many of the building improvements occur, but at least future generations will be able to enjoy some of the improvements that we have lobbied for.
Jeers: University Housing. The University does almost nothing to help students who live off-Grounds. While lease signing deadlines keep getting earlier each year because of lack of housing, the University ignores the problem.
Cheers: No Rain. During my time in Charlottesville, the most consistent thing I noticed was that it was always raining as I walked to and from classes. The dry fall we have had has been very nice. First years will be in for a rude awakening when Charlottesville's normal weather returns, because it is like a constant monsoon season.
Jeers: No rain. Apparently the lack of rain has created a water shortage problem. Let's hope that it rains a lot over Christmas Break when students will not be here, so the reservoir gets its water level back up to where it should be.
I hope everyone has a great holiday season. May everyone's breaks be restful, relaxing and productive if you get around to it. See you next semester.
(Harris Freier is a Cavalier Daily columnist. He can be reached at hfreier@cavalierdaily.com.)
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