EDITORIAL

Up with getting the word out

Up WithPeople,a musically talented cast representing 25 different countries, will be performing "A Common Beat" in the Dixon Center tomorrow at 7 p.m. The group performs songs and dances from four global culture groups emphasizing the values of the student program international exchange: youth, energy, spectacle, experiential learning, global service and the universal hope for peace. The group is responsible for securing host families within the Radnor area for 150 cast members ranging from age 18 to 26. The overall response on behalf of the student community to the host-family housing hasn't been well received, which leaves the question, "Are the student of Cabrini College passive and not caring?"

The college did a poor job of getting infonnation released on the need for host families. Students were not aware that they might be asked to help provide housing until a couple of weeks ago. Because of this oversight on the school's behalf, the staff of Up With Peoplehas labeled the students as being passive individuals. Not only does the school fail to notify the students of important policy changes, but now it is contributing to making the student body look apathetic and passive. However, is it Up With People'sresponsibility to remind us, the students, that we are often passive and thick-skinned to important issues? According to past events that the college has either sponsored or has taken part in, student participation has been above that of other area schools, according to sponsors of popular school events. The Hunger andJiomeless campaign receives regional attention from the media for active students' support, as does the AIDS Walk. When it comes to impo\tant global issues, Cabrini students are vocal and supportive of whatever cause may be at hand It is not proper etiquette to be visiting and searching for I 50 beds while proclaiming the so-called ignorance of the local school students.

With the current overcrowding of the college residences, how many more bodies can be squeezed into the dorm rooms? The college administration adopted policies banning opposite-sex overnight guests. How can the college expect us to openly welcome visitors when we cannot even choose who our own guests can be? "A Common Beat" would be a wonderful experience where students were able to meet international students if the administration had not changed the rules so drastically and simply left the students uninformed

Students' schedules are anything but open and free for added activity. With the rapid approach of mid-terms, what time would be left for studying over the course of this weekend? The college press release states that host families are supposed to allow the cast member the opportunity to learn and share in the world's cultural diversity. How is that possible amid juggling class schedules, homework, activities, athletics and other random events that students find themselves doing?

There is a tremendous amount of talent coming to campus this weekend The show promises to be an amazing event and one not to miss. It is unfortunate that the college fell flat on its face in the process of getting the word out, or should it say, ''not getting the word out" It is the college's fault that there has been little interest in the need to support international students with housing. Prove the college wrong and attend Up WithPeople's''A Common Beat."