Future direction unclear

Lately, it seems like the university has been very proactive in looking forward -- planning for greater future success. But were are left wondering if the pursuit of success is in the interest of the student body or for the university itself.

First came the changing of Santa Clara's slogan from the interpretive "For Good Reason" to the cold, impersonal "The Jesuit University in Silicon Valley." The phrase denies the university its focus on social concern and Catholic values; not everyone interested in this school will be familiar with the Jesuit community.

Next was the launch of the Future Directions forum, a series of conversations held to discuss how we can "achieve national prominence as a Catholic Jesuit university." At least one of these forums have been received with poor attendance.

A possibly more concerning effort to increase the prestige and status of Santa Clara is its new distribution method of financial aid. The model is similar to others: a computer program takes various student and university inputs, such as need, scholastic merit, and the current aid budget, and spits out a suggested aid offer. What is worrisome about the model, created by Maguire Associates, is that the intent of the award offers is to increase the enrollment of students who are more likely to stay all four years.

Students with stronger academics and less need will typically receive a bigger aid package. But students with average scholastic scores who need a substantial grant to attend will be offered less money. This may be the best economic choice, but the strategy ignores the potential of low-income students.

If diversity is truly a university goal, this plan will need some revision. It will undoubtedly effect economic diversity on campus, and could decrease ethnic diversity as well.

Looking to the future is an important part of university planning, but the administration shouldn't lose focus of Jesuit priorities or the interest of the students -- and for good reason.