Take caution when recycling

To the Editor:

I read with much interest your article “College seeking ways to restrict paper use in labs” (March 22). While I certainly agree with the idea of Macalester conserving paper in computer labs/copy rooms, there is an important area of concern not touched upon by your article. I teach chemistry in Olin/Rice, and often receive student assignments printed on previously used paper. Imagine my horror when one day I glanced at the reverse side of some scratch work only to discover it was a letter of recommendation written for a student at Macalester. I could only assume this sensitive document was used innocently by my student grabbing a new sheet from a recycling bin. (The letter was not written for a student in my department, but one several buildings away.) In short, while conservation of paper is a major issue here and everywhere, I urge all students and faculty to think about what documents they do recycle. Identity, finances and even ideas may fall into the wrong hands.

Matt Mio
Postdoctoral Fellow and Instructor
Department of Chemistry

Student government wants you

To the Editor:

As most of the older students here know, spring means two things. Springfest and spring elections. Okay, maybe spring elections is not the uppermost thought in your minds, but it is important. Without students participating in MCSG, it would no longer be a student government.

MCSG is doing a great job this year and you, the students, have been on the receiving end of these changes. Did you like them? Did you not? Either way we want to hear your voice. And we want you to run for office. Yes, I know it is a large undertaking but so is scoring free “things” at Springfest. And let me tell you both are worth it.

This next year needs great leaders. We are experiencing a smaller and smaller budget, a housing shortage and a burgeoning dialogue about multiculturalism. If you care about the issues, we want you to run. You don’t have to be the president; in fact that role is only one of many available for you. We need a vice president, financial advisory committee chair, academic advisory committee chair, student services and a brand new position the programming board chair. Through all of these you can make a difference on campus.

If you don’t want to run, we encourage to be aware of the issues and press the candidates on what you feel is important. There will be a debate/open forum for the candidates on April 15 at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

All you need to do to run is pick up a packet outside the MCSG office which includes more information and explanations of the various positions. Important dates to remember: filing ends April 8 at 5:00 p.m., campaigning begins at noon on the April 9 and ends a week later on the April 16.

The election is April 18. Be sure to vote. For questions, contact me at x7244 or email at jaaker@macalester.edu.

Joshua Aaker ’05
EPC Chair