A new age for the clubs and the University: Tiger Inn

I applaud the University's decision to increase the financial aid package. Making the eating club option more affordable to a greater — and more diverse — range of Princeton students is in everyone's best interests. In the end, choice benefits the student, the University and each of the clubs.

Of course, we'll have to see how well a blanket increase works with regard to increasing diversity on the Street. It may be that students on full financial aid will have more important priorities for the $2,000 windfall than joining an eating club. Whether that turns out to be the case or not, it remains the responsibility of the graduate and undergraduate officers and members of the clubs to make our option increasingly attractive and affordable for Princetonians of all walks of life.

But stepping up and putting money against the challenge is a great momentum booster. The University hopes that by increasing upper class social and dining options and chipping away at the longstanding (and historically accurate) stereotypes about the club system, Princeton will compete more successfully against Harvard, Yale and Stanford for mutually admitted students. We'll see how that works as well.

For now, I hope a few students who hadn't planned to bicker or sign into an eating club will take another look. Diversity of background increases diversity of thought and approach, which in turn leads to better group problem-solving and decision making. In time, the result will be a club system that's more in touch with the community at large and an environment that is safer and more fun for everyone — and that's the goal.

Hap Cooper '82 is the graduate board chair of Tiger Inn.