Survey participation

Editorial: Information breach

For an unknown length of time, private student data including Social Security numbers, insurance information, and lists of students on medical and disciplinary leave were available on the campus server to anyone with a Bowdoin username and password. While the accessibility of the data was surely an error, with such sensitive information on the line, it was an inexcusable one.

Editorial: The Housing Lottery

We've noticed them, too: the private debates, the somber phone conversations, the dining hall conferences, even the tears. Despite what has easily been the balmiest weather of the year, an Eeyorian cloud has hung over a number of Bowdoin students all week, reminding everybody that Housing Lottery season?the stormiest of all seasons?has once again arrived.

Editorial

This piece represents the opinion of The Bowdoin Orient editorial board.

April 11, 2008

In the coming weeks, a survey designed by students in a Bowdoin psychology class will make its way around campus. This survey, which asks questions on a variety of topics, including Facebook, parents, and the environment, will provide Bowdoin students with an opportunity to contribute to academic research?one they should take advantage of.

Very few psych studies have focused on development in college-age students, making this experiment a unique one that has the potential to break new academic ground?but only if there is a high rate of participation. As members of an academic community, we should help our fellow students to advance knowledge.

As the end of the semester approaches, inboxes are often inundated with survey requests. However, by taking some time away from browsing Facebook to respond to a survey, Bowdoin students will have the chance to be a part of a variety of interesting research projects?an intellectual opportunity well worth the time lost playing Scrabulous.

The editorial represents the majority view of The Bowdoin Orient's editorial board, which comprises Steve Kolowich, Anne Riley, Anna Karass, Adam Kommel, Mary Helen Miller, and Cati Mitchell.

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