Keep OSAF space for students

Jim Wulforst's comment in the Chronicle's Dec. 1 article "BC may house new Starbucks" likening the current atmosphere in OSAF to a used-car lot is ridiculous and unwarrented. Mr. Wulforst, have you even stepped foot in OSAF?

If you did, you would have felt the power and energy of students (YOUR CUSTOMERS) from every single organization on campus planning events to enrich and improve the campus life of every other Duke student. There will be no scheming people in faded cashmere blazers, just worn-out, bleary-eyed students who care enough about Duke to spend their every last waking moment in the "used-car lot" space that Duke so kindly provides.

Rather than replace what little space we already have, how about upgrading the space so that we can more efficiently and professionally program events on-campus.

How about removing bureaucratic resistance rather than creating it? How about appreciating the commitment of student organizations to their own culture? How about not sacrificing this distinctive, creative and collaborative environment for a faceless, nameless corporate atmosphere? How about not selling out? For once?

Please keep all OSAF space for what it is: the Office of Student Activities and Facilities (note that it is not called the Office of Corporate Enrichment).

The open glass windows provide premium space for student groups to communicate with campus. By seeing us work-and through us seeing other students walk by-the campus connection remains tight.

Do this, and you will have a lot less to worry about when you talk about fostering community on Duke's campus.

Nick Vivion