University of Cincinnati Graduate & Family Housing (GFH) Scioto Morgens Complex Closure

As a member of the UC student community, I support the Scioto and Morgens Halls residents cause in the matter of the Graduate and Family Housing closure. I acknowledge that the issues and concerns raised by the residents of that complex are valid and request immediate attention from the concerned UC authorities. I also hope that UC will do the needful to redress this situation and uphold the core UC|21 principles and values of student centric decision making, diversity and commitment to research. Specifically, I would like to bring to attention the following points:

1. The residents or graduate student groups were not consulted at all in making this decision! As per Dr. Zimphers "Principles of Effective Governance", it is mandated that stakeholders affected by decisions must be made a part of the decision making process. That has not been the case in this decision process. Also, the UC|21 goal of placing students at the center has been ignored.

2. Safety has been cited as the primary reason for this closure. I understand that safety is very important, but there is no detailed information about these safety issues.
- Is there an imminent threat? In which case, why are current and new leaseholders not told so explicitly?
- If there is no imminent threat, why can the closure deadline not be extended to accommodate problems and concerns the residents face?

3. Why is UC under-prepared in addressing potential resident problems arising from this exodus? The town hall meetings arranged by the administration should have been part of a consultation process. Some of the residents problems are:

- Off-Campus housing safety in some areas
- Commuting to and from campus
- Unfair practices by neighboring realtors
- Negative effect on academic and research activities
- Effect on incoming international students

4. As per the current plan, the Scioto and Morgens halls will return in 2010 with a by-the-bed rental model that is not compatible with the needs of graduate students and families. This essentially removes graduate students from campus life. I strongly feel that this should not be the case and graduate students must always have a place on campus.

5. The UC administration must make sure that in future all university decisions, fiscal or academic, that impact graduate students must be done in an inclusive way - involving student representatives in the decision making process.

Thank you,