PUBLISHER'S NOTE: After we wrote this editorial, we read the story of Chancellor Steve Kang tendering his resignation at UC Merced. At first it seemed untimely to run the editorial because it might be misconstrued as a criticism of his policies as chancellor. It is not a criticism. It was meant to be a warning of things which might come to pass if we as a community do not remain diligent.
Is UC Merced becoming an island unto itself?
The community has worked so hard to bring this University to our town, it is our duty to see that it does not grow apart.
Now that it is young and rules and regulations are new and not set in concrete, we need to make sure those rules and regulations don't push the university into isolation.
We are speaking of rules which prohibit a freshman student to have a car on campus. There are other policies and parking fees which make it prohibitive to have a car at all.
Are these rules meant to restrict student movement?
Why have we seen such a build-out of campus housing on land that is so precious and may be needed for instructional buildings in the future?
Merced has a glut of vacant housing property. Can't a portion of the vacant Bellevue development be set aside for campus housing and gated for students only?
There has been a lot of construction at the UC Merced campus.
Are contracts at campus set up to favor local business or could clauses be included which would give preference to companies which hire more labor locally?
Students who complain of nothing to do in Merced find transportation cumbersome and untimely. Why can’t we provide a “quicky” bus that makes the trip from the campus to downtown in 15 minutes?
Our downtown suffers from recession. This might be a way to improve the economic climate for the core of our town.
Better bike paths that actually go somewhere in this town would help. This could become another bike city like Davis with better planning.
Merced business could offer UC Merced students specials to entice them into their stores. Several restaurants presently cater to the students and faculty.
More and better entertainment is being provided and directed at the student population. Concerts in the park, the Merced Mall and downtown are geared to appeal to the younger set.
There must be more focus on industry which can use the graduate talents being turned out by UC Merced. We have urged the city and county elected officials to place a priority on zoning land which is specially aimed at serving the research and biotech industry.
There could be a panel made up with leaders of the university, the college, the city, county and the student bodies of both campuses to focus on issues which might bring the community and the campus together.
There needs to be an attitude adjustment. One which says that we want to be part of one family, and not one which says we want to do our own thing despite the affect on the community.
Pressure needs to be put on those responsible to have the university's banking done locally. Perhaps local banks and savings and loans could be allowed a campus office so students would have easy access to financial institutions.
Keeping UC Merced from becoming an island is a two-way street — or a two-way bridge.
We, as members of the city (and the county), need to do our part to make sure this doesn't happen by inviting members of the University into all elements of our community. We see this happening in many clubs and organizations.
The University needs to be careful that its policies do not isolate it, and its students, from the community.
In short, UC Merced needs to let the community become step-parents of the growing student population.
We are a good community, and we care about our university.
Is UC Merced becoming an island unto itself?
