Why is everybody whining? The Guest Policy changes announced yesterday were a giant step forward. Even this meager show of consideration for student concerns is better than what has been the prevailing sentiment on campus: that they are out of touch and don’t care about students.

Obviously the administration and trustees have found a compromise that satisfies their need for security and serenity in Boston University dorms. At the same time, they have conceded that we are mature enough to regulate where we choose to spend our time. Would universal access be better? Sure, but something is better than nothing.

The new policy also addresses concerns that I felt were overlooked by the Union. Students who choose to live on campus agree to the terms of the Guest Policy. We pay for the security that comes with dorms and the amenities that are offered within the residence halls. Under the old system, facilities on-campus residents could use (like fitness rooms, computer labs, and Late Nite cafes) were only available while dining halls were open. Once the dining hall shut down, so did access to other facilities.

I won’t get into the fairness of a system that allows off-campus residents with meal plans more access than on-campus residents who pay for the facilities here. At least the system is seemingly more equitable. Finally, I agree with the committee’s decision not to extend the new privileges to off-campus students. For whatever reason they moved out of BU housing, now they shouldn’t be afforded the same rights and privileges as those of us who pay for the housing and agree to live under the draconian Guest Policy.

Let’s be happy with what the Union has accomplished and prove to the administration that we are the responsible adults we claim to be and not squander this opportunity.