<p>WHEN 'harvard law' 'princeton review' become a set of unalterable catchphrases. CU has become a bit quiet amid the ivy league ring.<br>
what are you proud of being a columbian and what you don't like most about being a columbian? A lot of things happened since the arrival of the new CU president Mr. Lee Bollinger, I still recall the stigma in the beginning of 2004 when a series of racial incidents incited by a campus sponsored newspaper. How is the air over campus now? How do you view Mr. Bollinger's administration capabilities?</p>
<p>It is too early to judge Bollinger. His legacy will be defined by his ability to accomplish the long-term goals he set out to achieve.</p>
<p>He's working on the expansion -- Manhattanville Campus, new science building in Pupin Plaza, etc. We'll see how these things pan out. He seems to have a good handle on these issues.</p>
<p>As far as boosting the school spirit and the alumni base and the sports teams, he doesn't seem to be doing a good job. I don't think the fund raising campaigns are doing that well. The football/basketball teams are a disaster. This new AD doesn't have a clue.</p>
<p>I wasn't around during the era of Rupp, so it's difficult to compare. Bollinger's "mission" so-to-speak, is Manhattanville. That and raising money, money, and more money. In fact, I believe he'll be doing just that - in Italy - this weekend. As for buliding atop the Grove / Dodge, well, those plans have been in the works for many years, long before Bollinger. Anything to increase space on campus is a good thing, as far as I'm concerned. Right now, Columbia's in last place.</p>
<p>Columbia isn't a sports school. Nor should it be. The new AD is a moron, and I'm being extremely kind. If anything, the school needs to a better job encouraging students to, well, take advantage of the city. Too often, students become attached to the Morningside "bubble" and never get the full New York exposure. The fact that Baker Field is one of the worst in the Ivy coupled with the complex so far from Morningside (albeit, a 10 minute shuttle bus) degrades school spirit due to lousy recruiting, limited alumni involvement, and the overall feeling that the school's proud to fail when it comes to sports.</p>
<p>As a Professor, Bollinger's one of my favorites. His First Amendment course (really a survey of First Amendment cases since 1919) is a must-take if you're into politics or law.</p>