Reinstate Late Night

Dan Mote, President of the University of Maryland
Nariman Farvardin, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Desider L. Vikor, Interim Dean of Libraries
Charles Lowry, Dean of Libraries
Cynthia Todd, Coordinator for Information & Research Services/Public Services Division, McKeldin
Tanner Wray, Director of Public Services, University of Maryland Libraries

We, the undersigned, object to the discontinuation of Late Night Study at McKeldin Library. While aware that this discontinuation is the result of the reallocation of funds to materials acquisitions, we contest the notion that such a change will "better serve the University." As members of the University community, we feel that Late Night Study is an invaluable service, particularly to undergraduate students. The potential benefits of increasing the materials acquisitions budget are outweighed by the harm done to the average student's educational experience by the termination of this service. The decision to end Late Night Study therefore sends the message that the administration's priority is not the basic needs of undergraduates. According to the University Mission Statement and the Strategic Plan, one of the most important goals of the University for the coming years is "to elevate the quality of undergraduate education" by maintaining "an enriched educational environment," "improving the conditions for enrollment and success," and "increasing retention and graduation rates for all undergraduate students ." The 24-hour availability of computers, printers, and a quiet study environment that Late Night Study provides is essential to the attainment of these goals. Therefore, we respectfully and firmly demand that Late Night Study be reinstated in fulfillment of the administration's first responsibility to the University, the education of its students.