2008 Woodie Awards
President discusses five-year plan
Joe Miller '10
Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: News
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Intent on informing students about the "Transforming Lives Through Contemplation" report, College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. spoke to members of the 57th Student Congress on Tuesday, March 27.
During the meeting's question-and-answer session, Father Shanley addressed topics ranging from overcrowding in residence halls to the future of men's basketball coach Tim Welsh. The 50-plus page draft of the report, which was released on March 12, touches on virtually every aspect of life at Providence College and attempts to establish specific goals and recommendations to be implemented by 2012.
On the subject of housing availability, Father Shanley acknowledged that the current on-campus residence facilities are not ideal for the amount of students wishing to live in them. He mentioned that not guaranteeing housing to juniors and seniors is an option that may have to be considered within the next couple years.
"We have talked about it as a possibility because we have a housing crunch," he explained. "That's a bullet we may have to bite."
He added that while building another residence facility would not be financially impossible, there are no plans to do so at the time. The recently constructed Suites Hall, he said, was supposed to solve the overcrowding issue.
If upperclassmen are forced to become more reliant on off-campus housing options, Father Shanley said that a greater emphasis will be placed on working with local landlords.
"One of the things we would have to do is make sure our students can get into good, equitable, affordable, safe housing," he said.
In response to the question on embattled basketball coach Welsh, Father Shanley asserted, "He's my coach, and I'm sticking with him." Welsh, who has come under criticism for poor performance especially in tournament play, has two years remaining on his contract.
"I am fully confident that next year's basketball team will be better than this year's team," said Father Shanley, even adding that he expects an NCAA tournament berth.
During the meeting's question-and-answer session, Father Shanley addressed topics ranging from overcrowding in residence halls to the future of men's basketball coach Tim Welsh. The 50-plus page draft of the report, which was released on March 12, touches on virtually every aspect of life at Providence College and attempts to establish specific goals and recommendations to be implemented by 2012.
On the subject of housing availability, Father Shanley acknowledged that the current on-campus residence facilities are not ideal for the amount of students wishing to live in them. He mentioned that not guaranteeing housing to juniors and seniors is an option that may have to be considered within the next couple years.
"We have talked about it as a possibility because we have a housing crunch," he explained. "That's a bullet we may have to bite."
He added that while building another residence facility would not be financially impossible, there are no plans to do so at the time. The recently constructed Suites Hall, he said, was supposed to solve the overcrowding issue.
If upperclassmen are forced to become more reliant on off-campus housing options, Father Shanley said that a greater emphasis will be placed on working with local landlords.
"One of the things we would have to do is make sure our students can get into good, equitable, affordable, safe housing," he said.
In response to the question on embattled basketball coach Welsh, Father Shanley asserted, "He's my coach, and I'm sticking with him." Welsh, who has come under criticism for poor performance especially in tournament play, has two years remaining on his contract.
"I am fully confident that next year's basketball team will be better than this year's team," said Father Shanley, even adding that he expects an NCAA tournament berth.