Dear Graduate Advocate,
Housing in Ithaca is a perpetual problem, but maybe this can change. Not knowing personally how practical your suggestions are, I sent your letter to Neff Casaburri, Assistant Dean of Students for Off-Campus Housing. He said:


        "Cornell's response to the less-than-adequate housing situation is not as passive at it appears at first glance. During the last eight years, almost 600 spaces have been added to on-campus housing, creating additional competition for local landlords and providing some incentive for them to upgrade their properties.
        "Obviously, more needs to be done. Next year the units at Cornell Quarters will be replaced with modern housing, which will result in a net gain of single graduate units and retention of the same capacity for families.
        "Unfortunately, new housing comes at a price. Rents in Cornell Housing have traditionally been below market, and will probably remain so. However, they will have to be higher than current rates because of the rising cost of new construction and standards necessary for University versus privately-owned housing.




        "We hope this helps with your concern about affordable housing. Hopefully, continued addition of new units and renovation can at least address the quality of university family housing, if not the supply issue."      -Neff Casaburri


        I understand that there is a new awareness among Cornell graduate students of their common problems, and it's clear that you perceive housing to be one of them.  I urge you to continue working with the Cornell administration to develop constructive solutions.  You might want to give Neff Casaburri a call (5-6858) and set up a time to get together with him to consider what your next step might be.  This really is a tough problem, and so it may take time and effort before you start to get some results.  But now's the time to start... best wishes!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear DM,
You describe a real problem: With higher pay scales, it's possible for a new worker to make the same salary as an experienced worker, and this can be quite discouraging for the latter. According to Dennis Chavez, Program Director of Student Employment, the Student Employment Office has encouraged departments to avoid this by starting experienced workers at the upper end of the new pay scale.  However, there is no guarantee that individual departments will choose to do so. If you're worried about your wage next year, you should talk directly to your employer to express your concerns and ask for what you'd like. Even though it's possible that you will not be paid more than a new worker, the silver lining is that you will be making more money than now, and have the potential to make still more. In any event, you have my congratula- tions on your merit raise!

Uncle Ezra   

Reader,
I can usually piece together most of my mail, but this one has me rather stumped.  I'm guessing that you either wish you could make someone else take typing lessons or want to take them yourself. So, here's what I found out about typing lessons.  BOCES will be offering lessons in the Fall: call 257-1511 for a brochure.  There's a fee for the course, but the amount hasn't been set. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any typing lessons closer to Cornell. If you want to stay on campus, you could advertise in the papers or on bulletin boards for a teacher, or you can get a book about typing at a library or book store.
        Typing is a great skill to have.  I took typing in high school (against the advice of my guidance counselor!) and have always been glad.  It helped me throughout college and beyond.  (What would Uncle Ezra be doing now if he didn't know how to type???) In my experience, the best way to learn to type is to get lots of practice. Typing can be fun to learn, so enjoy yourself!   UE

dear

Uncle Ezra   

Dear IQ,
The most important person to listen to in this situation is YOU, and most important to watch are your own perceptions. Situations like this, while having potential, can also be difficult and full of mixed messages. Your own percep- tions can tell you the truth, if you can listen to them without fear, and without distorting what is by what you wish it to be. Do your friend's warnings ring true to you? If so, listen. Or does your own experience tell you that your friend is wrong on this one?




        You mention some positive aspects to your new relationship; you like this guy, and you think he's nice. You have already communicated straightforwardly; you've told him you're attracted to him, and he's told you he has a girlfriend and wants to be friends.  You seem to be entering the relationship openly and carefully.
        There are some potential problems here, too.  You are "attracted", but he wants to be "friends". If this truly is the case, will you be able to accept the relationship on a strictly friendly basis?
        You may be getting some confusing messages from him; you've been out on two "dates", but he has a "girlfriend".  What do the dates mean to you? What do they mean to him? Can he be friends with you in the open, or is it in secret? Keep your eyes open to what's going on; his actions can certainly speak louder than words.  Does he treat you respectfully, in a manner you can trust, or does he treat you in a way that seems sneaky and for his own advantage?
        Be honest with yourself about what you are looking for in this relationship.  Until you know him better, you may not want to risk making a major emotional investment that could result in your being disappointed and hurt. On the other hand, building your relationship slowly might prove to be well worth the wait, whether it results in romance or a solid friendship. Whatever decision you make, be sure you understand the risks involved, and be prepared for the pay-off or the price.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear LDR,
Including home addresses in CUINFO's directory is definitely possible.  In fact, it may be done as an experimental later this summer.  You can also get home addresses of any current or past Cornell student by calling the Registrar at (607) 255-4232.  And, if you would like a Cornell Student Directory (which includes home addresses), you can send $4 check, cash, money order, or a Visa or Mastercard number to the Book Department, Cornell Campus Store, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853. If you're in New York State, include 4% sales tax, or 7% if you're a resident of Tompkins County.  No tax is required for others. Indicate that you want an 87-88 Student Directory and where to mail it. Enjoy staying in touch with your friends -- it's certainly worth the effort!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Summer,
Dennis Chavez, Program Director for Student Employment, said the official Student Employment policy is that when students work overtime, they should get paid overtime.  Your department is violating that policy. Unfortunately, unless your time cards show that you are working overtime, Student Employment can do nothing about this.
        However, the University Ombudsman or his assistants may be able to help while preserving your anonymity. (116 Stimson Hall, 255-4321.)  His purpose is to try to change unfair policies, and he has worked with this kind of problem before.
        In the end, it may be necessary for you to come forward in order to get the policy changed.  Ideally, your trying to get overtime pay won't affect your chances of getting a promotion.  Real life is different than the ideal, however, so it's difficult to predict what will actually happen in your situation.  Past behavior can be a good predictor of future behavior, so, since you described the folks in your department as being nice to work for, chances are they would continue to have goodwill toward you if you were to ask for overtime pay.  It's a sad fact, though, that sometimes people who "make waves" don't get promoted; some people don't like employees who challenge department policies.
         You may have to decide whether requesting overtime pay is worth the risk. If you decide it is, you will most likely get the best results if you approach your supervisor (or other appropriate person) in the spirit of preserving the good feelings you already have within the department. Clearly and honestly describe the situation: that the job sometimes requires more than 39 hours per week, and that the department's current practice goes against Student Employment's rules, which they are obligated to follow.  At the very least, if they are not willing to pay you overtime, perhaps they can help adjust your job so that it fits within a 39 hour week.  It's important that you feel valued, and not taken advantage of. Your efforts may make the difference in getting your department to "pay by the rules".

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Future Mom (and let's not forget Dad),
Congratulations in advance!  Having a child will be very special, if expensive.  Your insurance runs for the entire year, so you will still be covered if you have your child in the summer.  Unfortunately, Student Insurance does not completely cover expenses.  Even though both of you have insurance, only one of your policies can be used.  It's impossible to say exactly what it will cost you, as that will depend on what your doctor and hospital charges are. Here is a list of the maximum amount Student Insurance will pay as primary benefits compared with an average total cost:




        Student insurance pays:

                              Average actual cost:


          $640 for doctor's charge on a normal delivery     $1200
          $150/day for hospital room (semi-private)         $170/day
          $1000 miscellaneous hospital expenses             varies
          $350 for out-patient expenses                     varies


        However, Student Insurance does not expect you to take up all of the slack.  Once your total expenses go over $2000, they will pay 80% of all medically necessary expenses over $2000, up to $50,000.  This insurance is termed "Major Medical". For example, let's say your primary benefits cover $1500 of a $3000 bill.  Student Insurance will pay the $1500, plus 80% of the $1000 you paid above $2000, for a total reimbursement of $2300.
        It's important for you to know that student insurance will not pay any of a healthy new-born's expenses. Before having your child, you should talk with your doctor about what the total cost is likely to be, including the expenses for your new-born baby.  Then you should talk directly with the people in Student Insurance at Gannett, 255-6363.  The policies are confusing, so you should be sure you understand them and can handle paying your out-of- pocket expenses before you start your family. Best of luck to you, the future father, and your baby!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Timely Geologist,
Kudos to you on a very interesting answer! This humble Uncle always enjoys learning something new from his readers, particularly loyal readers like yourself.

Uncle Ezra