Identification please

Caller ID a positive addition to dorm life

University students are quick to criticize University housing. Be it complaints about the meal service, construction at odd hours, or another problem, the dorm system is a constant target of student derision. But with the proposal and trial of Caller ID in dorms next year, it seems that University Housing is taking a step in the right direction. By providing dorm residents with a Caller ID service, University Housing shows students that they are listening to their complaints and making an effort to meet them.

The University Housing Mission Statement states that, "The Mission of University Housing is to create and sustain diverse learning centered residential communities that further the goals of the University. Through partnership with others (University Housing) provide(s) quality programs, services and facilities for those we serve in a caring, responsible and effective manner." By offering Caller ID to residents in the dorm, University Housing is providing students with added convenience, and, more importantly, a higher level of safety.

Although Caller ID is a positive addition to dorm-living, University Housing should have considered spending the money on other areas. Specifically, besides any necessary physical construction on dorm structure, University housing money would be best spent offering a more flexible meal schedule.

But provided University Housing can offer Caller ID to dorm residents for the estimated 90-cent additional cost, or for a few more dollars than that, Caller ID is a positive proposal.