Lack of Vision

When the USG launched its Visions of Princeton survey in February, USG president PJ Kim was a man in search of a vision on some of the most important issues his administration was facing.

But even after extensive advertising and a decision to extend the survey period to more than 3 weeks, only about 600 students filled out the online poll — leaving Kim, who had planned to use the survey to set his agenda, without clear goals or direction for his presidency.

"Our goal [for responses] was over 1,000," USG vice president Spence Miller '02 said. "I was a little disappointed we had only 600."

One USG official who preferred to remain anonymous said the low number of responses weakens the legitimacy of USG positions. He explained that administrators will now take USG statements of student opinion with "a grain of salt."

After being elected USG president, Kim said he would try to "form a collective vision" of the University rather than personally set goals for his administration. But Kim conceded yesterday that "we can't make specific recommendations" based on the survey's results.

"I think in this case the position that we can safely advocate is the discrepancy between student satisfaction with academic life and student satisfaction with social life shouldn't exist," Kim added.

The Visions of Princeton project — in which students were encouraged to cite what they believed to be the strengths and weaknesses of the University — was modeled after a similar poll conducted at Dartmouth College.

The Dartmouth project drew more than 800 responses, and during a USG meeting in the early stages of the online survey, campus and community affairs chair Dave Tukey '02 said he believed the USG should aim for responses from 85 percent of the student body.

Despite the relatively low student participation, Kim said he nonetheless believes the project was a success. "I don't think the trustees understand the degree to which students are dissatisfied with campus life," he said.

Nevertheless, Kim has said he was disappointed in the campus's failure to embrace the project — what he called his top priority shortly after being elected.

"I know there are a lot of students on campus who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves and their own narrow interests," he wrote in an e-mail to some students encouraging them to participate in the survey. "There are a lot of students who could care less about what happens to Princeton. This is what's wrong with Princeton."

In addition, the survey failed to offer concrete solutions to commonly perceived problems on campus, such as race relations, both Kim and Miller said.

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About 40 percent of students who participated in the online poll said "the eating clubs are very elitist and not kind and receptive to minority students," Miller said. "I don't really believe Princeton welcomes minority students with open arms."

Miller, who is a member of Cap and Gown, added that he is not "anti-'Street.' "

He added that he believes the University should "somehow create an admissions process that somehow allows minority students to feel more comfortable here."

A dearth of performance space on campus was a concern repeated in about 40 percent of the responses, Miller said.

Kim said students also complained about academic advising and limited student funding.

The USG will release the results of Visions of Princeton and a position statement on the Wythes report in the next two weeks.

Discussing what tangible recommendations or impacts Visions might have, Miller said, "I have no idea. That is my honest opinion. I have no idea."

"I would hope that the University evaluates some of the concerns because of Visions of Princeton," he added.

Kim's desire to set his agenda based on popular consensus is characteristic of his presidency, some members of the USG said. He has consistently tried to avoid clashing with administrators and students — whether treading lightly on University officials' toes during discussions of Wythes or the future of the Chancellor Green rotunda — so the student government does not anger officials with its criticism.

In contrast, former USG president Spencer Merriweather '00 relished "burning bridges" with administrators to pursue USG goals.

USG treasurer Joe Wheatley '01 said Kim's consensus-driven style is effective. Students and administrators "are not going to respond well when you take a very confrontational approach," he said. "You need them to help you."

Kim declined on Feb. 18 to take a position on the Wythes report. "Honestly, I don't know," he said. "We really think students can speak far more eloquently than a position paper on our part."