Dear Mr. President

Likins officially will be installed as president of the university today. He has already been confronted with various campus issues such as the Mount Graham telescope controversy, the Student Union referendum, the defunct Arizona International Campus of the UA and so on.

Likins' ability to adhere to his doctrine of accessibility will be tested further in the coming months.

Thus, we feel it is appropriate to present President Likins with a wish list featuring a few concerns that readers have brought to the attention of the Wildcat.

Dear Mr. President:

1. Provide more affordable parking for students, including improvements to the bus shuttle system that is not running as smoothly as some would like. Parking permits vary from $200 to $400 depending on the lot, and in recent years, permit sales appear to have exceeded the number of available spaces.

2. Although there are professors who bring in millions each year for research, many put the education of students second to their research. Despite the university's role as a Research I institution, teachers must be committed to teaching. As you said during your campus interview over the summer, research and teaching must be integrated and regarded with equal importance.

3. More job placement services for graduating students. Many students leave college owing thousands in student loans. Yet, at the end of four or five years - more often than not - job placement services offer only lip service to students who need assistance dealing with employment issues. Departments should be encouraged to sponsor recruitment fairs for employers who are serious about hiring graduating students.

4. Make a commitment to weigh student concerns about institutional progress in plans for projects like the Integrated Instructional Facility and the Memorial Student Union.

5. Allow more access to campus crime information. The administration must make a commitment to accurate reporting of campus crime and clear interpretation of public record access laws.

6. Negotiate for reasonable access to game tickets. No more semi-secret lotteries, no more disproportionate allocation of basketball tickets to alumni, no more senseless money-grubbing in a proud university tradition.

7. Make a commitment to representing and listening to student concerns on issues such as discrimination, racial tensions and date rape.

8. Recognize non-traditional student issues such as the need for child care on campus.

9. Find a way to incorporate graduate students and non-traditional students into the campus community.

10. Personal access to the president. Arrange a monthly lunch meeting where students at-large can discuss their concerns, share stories and get to know you better.

President Likins, you came to this university with a reputation for devoting personal attention to student concerns. So far you have upheld that reputation, but your work is cut out for you. The time has come to address real concerns.

As the new president and leader of this university, we would like to challenge you to break the mold of figurehead, and act as a true representative of this campus community.