Letters to the editor

Keeping paper schedules not a sustainable option

It's very disappointing to hear that the university will not be moving to a paperless format for the class schedule.

As a university that puts a strong emphasis on sustainability, it only makes sense to make such a simple and easy shift. Every quarter, 5,000 copies of schedules are printed, only to be discarded weeks later.

This is a monumental waste when we have the capability to so easily reduce our ecological footprint.

A paperless format is not only more environmentally friendly, but also more practical. The online catalogue can be more quickly updated, is available to anyone with Internet access and saves the university thousands of dollars.

The "convenience" of the paper format, which allows students to highlight and circle possible class choices, is quite honestly a ridiculous and selfish reason to continue to waste thousands of pounds of paper and thousands of dollars.

It's strange that a generation that is so dependent on the computer in daily life is so frightened of an online class schedule. So frequently environmental consciousness requires major sacrifice, why are we fighting this change when it costs us nothing?

Caitlin Corley

Political Science '08

Amanda Fowler

Political Science '08

Jesuit values not exemplified by ROTC

Can Santa Clara simultaneously embrace the three C's (consciousness, competence, compassion) if it supports the Army? I agree that, ideally, having soldiers trained in Jesuit values and actively living the three C's would "bring about a more effective resolution," as the author of last week's "Letter opposing Santa Clara ROTC misguided" suggests, because it would end the conflict and destroy our imperialistic and ethnocentric military institution.

What better resolution could there be but peace and the end to American tyranny and oppression in Iraq?

Like the author said, soldiers do not have the luxury to question the political figureheads, and, this being the case, I'm not sure that they can impart their Jesuit ideals or good-hearted agendas either. The exertion of Jesuit ideals would lead to the razing of the military institution, as they are inherently liberal and therefore incompatible with those of the military.

For example, the first tenet of Catholic Social Teaching acknowledges the sanctity of human life and dignity of the person. I ask how a militaristic agenda could possibly meet its objectives in a just way when its objectives are unjust.

Furthermore, the attacks against the Santa Clara Community Action Program were undue.

Though SCCAP Director Katy Erker cannot possibly represent all the voices and political standpoints of SCCAP staff, I think it is safe to say that the organization stands for justice and peace and aligns itself with Jesuit values.

May I remind readers that there is nothing traditional nor conservative about peace. Peace and justice are liberal ideals because they are not possible without open-mindedness and personal freedom, and they have yet to truly exist for the majority of the world's people.

The use of the military to impose American corporate interests around the world effectively denies freedom to others and oppresses them.

Though not all ROTC members will directly participate in violent acts, and even if some perform humanitarian acts of kindness, they are not actively pursuing peace. Their obligation to act on behalf of an unjust military denies individual soldiers the right to exercise moral judgment (consciousness), personal conviction (competence) and compassion.

Therefore, the university cannot support a war or those who execute it while at the same time promote Jesuit values.

Cristina Sanidad

Associate Director, SCCAP

Sociology '08

Alumni office offers helpful programs

With graduation quickly approaching, seniors get to look forward to the next chapter in life, finding a job and becoming Santa Clara Alumni. As it was stated in the Jan. 31 article, "Starving Students Master the Art of Mooching," the Alumni Association offers great opportunities to stay connected to your fellow Broncos through events.

Though the article mentions one perspective of the Alumni Association, it offers so much more. The association offers many opportunities for Sant Clara alumni, such as cheering on Bronco Athletics, enjoying activities in the region, lifelong learning and assisting with career networking

Networking with fellow Broncos is beneficial for young alumni, as it could lead you down a great career path. Broncos like hiring fellow Broncos. In addition to networking post-work events, the Alumni Association offers their own social networking community called inCircle. The inCircle community is available to students the fall of their senior year and provides networking opportunities, job listings and the ability to stay in contact with your classmates.

I invite all seniors to contact the Alumni Association at alumupdate@scu.edu for their Alumni ID and to register for inCircle at www.scu.edu/incircle. Also, I invite seniors to join the Santa Clara Valley Chapter at a career networking event on April 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. in The Bronco, where you can mingle with recent alumni from various job sectors.

Carey DeAngelis

Associate Director

Marketing and Communications, Alumni Relations