There needs to be another way for students to communicate with the administration besides the Students? Association. Most of the recent student frustration at UR is because it is felt that there is no direct link between students and administration.

The result is the presence of subtle and underlying animosity between the administration and students.

For example, the No-Sweat protesters often voice their disappointment over not being able to meet with President Jackson.

Last week, Associate Dean of Students Ken Rockensies began the process of creating a direct channel of communication between the administration and students outside of the SA.

Rockensies made signs advertising that he would be available for students Fridays between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Pit. Students were able to go and sit with him to voice their concerns or just to talk.

Even if students did not speak with him, they were able to make a visual note of the dean for future reference. As a result, Dean Rockensies became a more approachable figure on campus. Other university administrators should follow in his example and reach out to students on a weekly basis.



Editorial Board: 'Rocken' dean

URochester’s 2026-27 Medical Amnesty Policy now includes student organizations seeking medical help on behalf of their members. The policy says that students, and now student organizations, who reach out for help with substance-related medical emergencies will not suffer consequences for the possession or consumption of alcohol and other drugs in violation of University policy. Read More

Editorial Board: 'Rocken' dean

We have all heard the expression, “the early bird catches the worm.” I, as an “early bird” myself, wake up as soon as the sun rises, looking forward to seeing the different birds singing and foraging during the daytime. But the excitement does not stop when the sun sets and the “early birds” return to rest; habitats high and low still teem with birdlife at night.  Read More

Editorial Board: 'Rocken' dean

A few weeks ago, my friend and I went to the new 7 Brew branch near Jefferson Road in Henrietta to see what all the hype was about. Upon arrival, we were not disappointed. They had a line nearly wrapping around the building and music blasting from their speakers. Read More