Who's To Blame?

To the Editor:

The last issue of The Commentator contained several articles regarding the Information Systems of YU. Several points were made that I feel need further clarification. In the article describing the independent student server, I was quoted as saying that the server was established "because administrative red tape made our task impossible." Bureaucratic red tape is an object, not a person. The article seemed to cast Dean Adler and Arthur Myers in a negative light, as being uncooperative and resisting change. This is certainly not the case. As the Computer Science Club endeavors to establish a Computer Science server, both Dean Adler and Arthur Myers have been the front-runners of our cause. They have listened attentively to our explanation of the pros and cons of a student server and have been supportive of students' suggestions to improve academic computing on campus. I have great respect and appreciation for both Dean Adler and Arthur Myers for their assistance. The Computer Science Club is not interested in senseless finger pointing at the MIS department. Such behavior is destructive rather then constructive.

The establishment of the independent server is a temporary measure to fulfill the needs of students until a more permanent on-campus solution can be found. We continue to work with the Dean's Office and the MIS Department to improve all the academic computing facilities on campus.

Blame for the lack of facilities lies on the shoulders of students, faculty and administration. We lack an understanding of the role of computers in society and academic environments. Students, faculty, and administration are working together to identify and solve YU's technology questions. When computers are fully utilized in university life, then YU will have thrust itself into the information age and our university will be forever enriched.