Dissenting opinions over success of Bridge Program

Despite a positive and dedicated set of administrators facilitating programming in Metcalf, residents have been largely disappointed with this year's Bridge Program.

"It hasn't met my expectations," freshman Tim Kistner said, citing the "almost exclusive" agreement of the residents with whom he lives.

The Bridge Program was created 12 years ago for students interested in blending their residential and academic communities. "The goal of the program is to provide residents living in Metcalf the opportunity to engage Tufts' faculty and each other in a casual yet intelligent atmosphere," Director of Residential Life and Learning (ResLife) Yolanda King said.

The program brings in speakers from inside and outside the Tufts community to discuss a wide range of topics, which this year have ranged from the influence of music in Cuba to the implications and specifications of the Patriot Act. Although the program's directors have made available a number of speakers and even arranged a trip to Harvard Square, resident participation in events has been limited.

"There was no enthusiasm for [the programs]," freshman Anjuli Fahlberg said. "I went to the first [meeting], and the moderator talked for half the time as if to say that her opinion was so much more important and valid than ours. It was very broad, and no way to focus the debate and no closure. We left upset and angry with each other."

Kistner complained about the lack of resident involvement in the selection of discussion topics. "I thought it was discussing current events and foreign affairs, but we've done more things along the lines of analyzing the social impact of the 'Matrix,'" he said.

Residents also feel the events have been inadequately publicized. "They happen so rarely, and I never know when they're happening," Kistner said.

Timing of the events has also not coincided with students' free time. Although he would be interested in a discussion of the Patriot Act, Kistner said, "I am not going to go on a Friday evening."

The administration holds a more positive view of the program's efficacy. The "Scholar-in-Residence" position was reinstated this year and filled by Kim Hebert, who has organized most of the events with the help of Residential Assistants (RAs) Candace Gomez and Tauheed Zaman. Herbert attests to a great experience with the residents.

"I always leave a discussion knowing more. [The students] are interested in everything, and within the political spectrum range from extremely liberal to conservative. It really helps you to see that the students are so bright and so interested," Hebert said.

Hebert spends substantial time reaching out to the residents. "It's nice for students to know they have someone who walks the line between student and faculty," she explained. "It's nice for them to know that someone's here at 11 at night."

Fahlberg found Herbert to be "friendly and available," but said she did not utilize the Scholar-in-Residence's office hours or opportunities for discussion.

Gomez agreed that Hebert's role has been "integral" to the program, saying "her personality and energy makes [the students] want to know more. I can't really imagine the program without her."

Hebert has planned events for the upcoming semester on topics including gay marriage and active citizenship, a perceived priority among the residents here. "I try to get a sense of who lives here," explained Hebert, mentioning her attempts to contact students and find diverse themes that are interesting to a wide number. She often sends out e-mails with attached articles to put everyone on the same page with regards to the upcoming events.

Though the students do appreciate the concern and work of the administrators, many will not re-apply to live in Metcalf next year due to disenchantment with the program. "I probably would apply because Metcalf is a great location, but I want to live with my friends next year and we probably wouldn't all get in," Kistner said.