University of Virginia Library

My first inclination was to
refrain from responding to the
opinions expressed in The
Cavalier Daily this week.
However, I now feel that so
many misrepresentations and
so much misinformation has
appeared that, as Dean of
Students, I find it necessary to
respond.

The intent of the
Counseling Program changes is
aimed at strengthening the
scope of the undergraduate
program. Such changes will
allow more undergraduate
input into the program and will
provide for a wider range of
participation and sharing of
responsibilities among
counselors, i.e., the modified
framework will facilitate
interaction among members of
the program at all levels and
thereby allow the counselors to
devote more effectively their
time and energies toward the
individual students in their
dormitories, as well as
developmental programming.

Secondly, the philosophy of
the program will not change.
The concern for the individual
student and the relationship
between the counselor and the
residents on his hall are of
paramount importance.
Therefore, the greatest strength
of the program is in its almost
total undergraduate nature. It
is absolutely essential that this
philosophy remain unchanged.

The criticism leveled at us
for the manner and timing of
the formulation of these
structural changes is justified
and understandable. We
sincerely regret this. When the
selection committee
(composed of counselors)
made its recommendations for
screening applicants for next
year's counselor positions,
there was not sufficient time to
canvas all individuals if the
screening process was to be
implemented as recommended.
While this timing factor is a
definite limitation, it does not
justify the accusations and
misinformed opinions which
have been expressed in The
Cavalier Daily.

It is likewise important to
clarify that the Housing Office
did not recommend, or even
suggest, any of these structural
changes.

Robert T. Canevari
Dean of Students

—Ed.)