The Voice: Esteban has chance to improve Seton Hall

The Setonian would like to congratulate Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban on his permanent appointment to the position of University President. While we are pleased with his appointment, we wish that the presidential replacement process would have been more transparent and inclusive of the University Community.

Regardless of how Esteban was selected, however, we believe that he is in an excellent position to turn Seton Hall around and make the University a place that puts its students and faculty first.

The recent economic recession has clearly hit Seton Hall hard. Just days before the start of the spring semester, 435 students saw their work study reduced. At the beginning of the year, faculty members were told their cost of living raises were in question.

We hope that Esteban will be able to put the University on sound financial footing so students will not be given aid packages only to see them reduced halfway through the year. We hope the University will have the funds so faculty will be able to receive not only cost of living adjustments, but actual salary increases that will ensure that they are paid competitive rates compared to other universities in the region.

The Setonian would also like to see other, rather simple improvements around the University that will help improve the quality of the student experience.

There is no reason, if the University has a delayed opening to help ensure students and faculty safety, that sidewalks around campus could not be salted as well as plowed. Esteban should encourage University employees to provide better customer service to students.

Esteban has the chance to use his position to improve Seton Hall. The Setonian hopes he does.