By Sean K. Quinn
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 20, 1998

University 'commodifies' students

To the Editor:

I thought it might be helpful for anyone out there who is interested in reading the University of Arizona's policy regarding the release of student (or staff/faculty?) information to check out this site: http://w3.arizona.edu/~uhap/appendd.html.

This "Appendix D," as it is called was apparently set forth in November of 1995 and clearly indicates that the decision-making body in charge of the CatCard buffo violated every student's rights here on campus (special attention to "I. Definitions, heading F"). I personally feel as though I have been commodified by the very institution in which I have placed my trust. As an individual, I feel powerless to make change, as it is painfully apparent that without this "special card" I will be unable to participate here at the University as a student. It seems strange to me that I have been required by the administration to be subjected to the complete irresponsibility of their decision in order to obtain an education. I think the most peculiar thing of all is the feeling that I get in writing this letter to you, as though I am overreacting. But am I really?

Sean K. Quinn
Arts and Sciences junior