Point System Proposal Meant To Be A 'Conversation Starter'

I would like to respond to some key points from Monday’s editorial entitled “Point System Could End Ambiguity, Unfairness.”

As the chairman of the alcohol committee, I have gotten the chance to hear firsthand the shortcomings of the current matrix system. With that said, I also abide by a common rule: don’t just go to the administration with complaints. Instead, go prepared with a proposal to fix what’s wrong.

Keeping this principle in mind, the current point system proposal is just that—a proposal. It’s not meant to be a take-it-or-leave-it document, but rather a conversation starter. It is probably true that the administration would not accept the current proposal. It is, as the editorial alludes to, imperfect. On the other hand, however, the proposal’s incomplete nature allows for compromise and negotiation. In fact, Dean Davis and I have a meeting scheduled every Thursday morning from now until May to figure out the details.

Secondly, the point system’s use of point forgiveness is a crucial aspect. Yes, it may lead some students to “game” the system—however, it more importantly allows BC students to remain competitive. Many of our peer institutions allow their students to clear their records for graduate, law, and medical school. BC, as it currently stands, has no formal method in place.

Third, I would like to point out that alcohol education classes are shown to be very effective in helping students make safer decisions. While no two students respond the same way to these classes, the majority of students do leave with a better understanding of how to drink responsibly. Nevertheless, I do agree with the suggestion of including the possibility of talking to University Counseling, too. I firmly believe that talking to any adult—not just alcohol counselors—is a good way to help students move forward.

Fourth, and most importantly, I have to agree with the editorial’s critique of the inclusion of sexual harassment and sexual assault. These problems are too serious to summarize in a sentence or two.

To borrow from my fellow senator and UGBC Vice President candidate, Matt Alonzosana: there is nothing wrong with BC that cannot be fixed by what is good with BC.