Tom criticizes the administration's lack of interest in reforming faculty hiring policies.

"We're students and we're here to learn, where it seems like it should be their job to pursue this goal of diversity on campus," Tom says. "After all, it is one of their stated objectives. It seems like that should their job."

Leaders of other minority groups agree with Tom's assessment that administrators do not actively pursue the recommendations made by students.

As students, our job is to study. As student leaders, our job is to lead an organization as well. As anyone will tell you, leading an organization is a huge monster task," says Alex Cho '95, head of the Asian American Association. "We don't have time to do anything that won't generate immediate results. That's why dealing with the administration becomes frustrating."

Although today's administrators do meet with disgruntled students, much of what they say is simply rhetoric, according to some student leaders.

"Often the meetings aren't that fruitful--a lot of talk and not much action," says Alvin L. Bragg '95, president of the Black Students Association. "I'm talking about the upper levels--some fancy breakfast, but little action. The ball of motion slowly."

Although most students say administrators are at least available to meet with them, Tom says administrators should make themselves more open to student contact.

"Part of [the reason students do not pursue appointments with administrators] is their perceived inaccessiblity. I think for them to have office hours is a good idea, like the ones Dean Epps has weekly," Tom says . "Certainly more meetings would be a positive thing for administrators to better understand students."

(SURPRISE) ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS SAY THEIR DOORS ARE OPEN

Administrators, on the other hand, say they are very interested in meeting with students--especially in listening to and considering what students think.

"Student input is very helpful where I see it," Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles says.

Administrators say they make themselves accessible by encouraging students to make appointments and come in during their office hours.

"I like seeing undergraduates, and I hope that they will feel free to contact me on any subject or whenever they think I can be helpful," Provost Jerry R. Green says.

"Obviously, the schedule is pretty busy, but someone should be able to get an appointment within a few days, and immediately if the matter is urgent," he adds.

In fact, administrators say students can always get an appointment from two days to a week after they call, depending on the situation.