FYI Student Blog

"100 pages?! Are you kidding me?!"

"Well, yeah, but I mean they're giving us 200 new computers in Mugar."

"And you can print from anywhere on campus, you know, with the network."

"I don't care if I can print from South Africa. It doesn't matter since I'll be using up my print quota in the first week of school."

"Well maybe you should think before you just go printing everything."

"Yeah, I think that might be kind of the point. Be greener, think before you print, eat granola and worship moss...no, just kidding."

This is an abridged version of this morning's "water cooler talk" here in the Dean of Students Office.  Dean Elmore shared a BU Today article with us that adresses the new printing policies for undergraduate, graduate, and law students (med students won't be affected just yet). And so the heated debate began...

How else am I supposed to print my work and readings? Is this really all that green since they're asking students to waste energy on printers? And on that note, is it appropriate to be asking students to bring printers to campus and, in turn, computers, when BU's costs are already rising?

Some of our staff is optimistic. Or at least accommodating. Bryan, one of our Program Assistants here at DOS, said simply, "I've always hated reading on computer screens so I print almost everything. I suppose with the new printing policy now is the time to kick that habit."

Laurel, another DOS Program Assistant,  is so full of opinions that she is currently writing a dissertation on the changing Boston University printing policies and their consequences, which will be posted shortly.

I, for one, have mixed opinons. I am irked by some of the statements coming from information systems and technology. I don't believe most BU students own a printer, and I certainly don't believe they should be expected to buy one. Laurel delves more deeply into issues of print quality, ink cost, and more, so I'll leave that to her. Still, I have to say, having a printer in your room implies having a computer in your room, as does getting rid of all of the ResNet labs. As a friend of mine said, this step is making BU even less accessible for those without abundant finances.  Secondly, I want to know what's being done to make on-screen reading easier and more accessible. I have professors that scan readings in every which way--so is it cool then when I turn one of the new Mugar computers on its side so that I can read a badly scanned article? Probably not. Lastly, I think, considering how sensitive this issue (already) is on campus, BU really needs to make a significant effort to explain how to set up printing from their personal computers, how to check their print quotas, how to extend their print quotas, etc. This is a big transition, and I support the green awareness that it is raising on campus, but inconvenience quickly causes people to lose their greenthusiasm.

So maybe it seems like we're complaining a lot. Well, keep in mind, we're students. We're the ones that write more than 100 pages of text a semester, let alone read. We're concerned about money and convenience, about buying printers and ink cartridges, about what it means to sacrifice what is easy for what is green. BU Is absolutely right to want to reduce its paper trail, and I can say with confidence that all of us are behind that. I can also say that we're incredibly appreciative of the changes made to Mugar. I can't wait to have a computer hub in a convenient location, not to mention all the printing, copying, and scanning services that will be provided there. I'm excited to see how mail rooms work as print centers, and hopefully it will be super convenient to stop by the mail room to pick up your paper on the way to class.

Plus, who knows? Maybe this transition really will make BU students think twice before they waste paper on printing. Its already making us think here at DOS. Maybe they'll consider the paper trail and choose to read online instead. Maybe professors will make a distinct effort to go paperless for their students. Maybe we'll all learn to be a little greener, and to think before we print.

terrier love,

Celie

Hello Hello!

So, you're probably wondering why in the world the Dean's FYI Blog staff hasn't been keeping up with the posting and I'm  hoping this lil' vid will give you a better idea. Things are crrraaazy around here in preparation for the Summer Sendoffs. Our staff is traveling around the country to visit incoming students over several upcoming weekends to get the psyched about coming to BU!

Check out the video above. I'm working on a higher quality version as we speak, but I wanted to share what we have so far!

Terrier love,

-Celie

Hungry? Good. We have new solutions.

This is the first post in a new series of posts I'm introducing on the FYI Student Blog called, "Have you Heard." As employees of the Division of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students Office, we hear a lot of rumors and questions about rumors from students and their parents. So, these posts will address those rumors, set them straight, and encourage more (and more correct) chatter.

This particular post honors the rumors circulating among members of our office and their friends about--what else?--food.

First of all, Cranberry Farms was open today and we're thinking it could be replacing Caprito Burrito for the rest of the summer. Of course, we love each of them equally, but we were pretty psyched to have thanksgiving-themed sandwiches for lunch today.

Secondly, there has been nonstop chatter about what restaurants are opening up where on campus next fall. We have an update:

1. Olecito is an adorable little mexican restaurant opening under Warren Towers. Check them out online! They started in Inman Square in Cambridge and feature takeout tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and more. Dining services chose this restaurant in response to a survey taken by students last year. Students wanted more authentic mexican food and Dining delivered! AND Olecito will accept convenience points and most debit and credit cards.

2. There will be a Loose Leafs and a Charles River Bread Company opening in StuVi 2. Delish! We know these two from our lunches in the GSU (they're Celie's two favorites!), but we're certain they'll be equally tasty in the Western portion of campus. Dining points, convenience points, debit, and credit cards accepted.

3. Extreme Pita is opening this fall in the Claflin Hall Lobby in West Campus. They're known for their fresh ingredients and they offer more than just pitas: they've got salads and pita pizzas, too. Best of all? They take dining points!

Yes, there are other rumors about food this fall on campus. No, we can't confirm them as of yet. But start spreading the news about these goodies! And please, as usual, share any rumors, comments, or questions you have  at dos@bu.edu or by commenting on this post.

Terrier Love,

Celie

On the first day of freshman year, I rolled onto Babcock Street in West with a U-Haul trailer, two road-tired parents, and my dogs. My new roommate, whom I'd never met, was terrified by the amount of stuff I piled on my side of our Rich Hall dorm room. And yet, despite the under-bed drawers, color-coordinated school supplies, and uber-crammed shower caddy, I found that I wasn't quite prepared.

I had not read "Things to Do Before Fall" on orientation's website. Big mistake.

If I'd read their tips, I would not have referred to "woostah" (aka worcester) as "war-chest-ar" upon arrival.

If I'd read their tips, I might have realized before arriving at the laundry rooms with 30 pounds of laundry and enough Tide for a family of 12 that (surprise!) you do actually need a form of payment...like your terrier id card or a sack of quarters...in order to actually do the laundry.

Grants. Scholarships. Loans. Work study. Quickie-jobs. Baaaaaah! I was so overwhelmed! If only I'd known...this orientation website will lead you to a fantastic video explaining everything you need to know about finances.

Things I did not include in my U-Haul trailer that I would have had I seen orientation's list of "things before the fall:" shower shoes, extension chords, a fan, a mattress cover and/or "egg crate," and a husband pillow.

Seriously, this is a fantastic and very thorough list. Aside from maybe clothing and bed-risers, there's not a thing I would add.

And, best of all, if you stick to this list you won't need a U-Haul. Let the girl who made that mistake once give you one piece of advice: make a pile of everything you're planning on bringing to B.U. Then cut that pile in half. Trust me, you'll still have everything you need and if you don't, you'll find it in this city.

terrier love from a recovering u-haul user,
-Celie

http://www.bu.edu/orientation/new-students/what-to-bring/

So Chief Robbins stopped by the office earlier today and gave some great advice. Check it out!