Last week the university announced the halt of Building K plans – well, kind of.

The plans are on hold for now, but the university never made an official statement.

Building K was a residence hall scheduled to open Fall 2011 in the space now occupied by Cullinane Hall on the east side of campus, as reported in the Sept. 22 issue of The News. Building K would house 600 students and act as the “first step” in building East Village, said Clifford Gayley, associate principal for design of William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc., which designed the hall.

The reason for the building freeze is the economy, Vice President for Marketing and Communications Mike Armini said in a statement – which was given only once The News approached the administration about the issue. Had this story never leaked, the Northeastern community would still be expecting a multi-story structure on St. Botolph Street.

On Nov. 17, President Joseph Aoun wrote an announcement on the myNEU portal about the university’s financial position. Aoun said he had worked with various members of the university to make “some valuable savings, particularly by taking a hard look at renovations projects, travel, events and operating budgets among others.” He concluded the announcement saying, “I remain confident that we are taking the right steps to ensure the university’s financial stability. This is an important shared endeavor, and I will continue to update you on our progress in the coming weeks and months.”

Two days later, on Nov. 19, information about the delay was leaked to the media. But it’s been a week after the initial announcement on myNEU and there’s still no official statement from the university about Building K.

Why did President Aoun not leave another message on the myNEU portal? Why was nothing posted on the Northeastern homepage? Way to keep us updated.

This isn’t an issue the university should want to sweep under a rug. People would be likely to respect the university’s decision to give the plans a break. The university is being fiscally responsible, and that is something that benefits everyone.

But for us to support and stand behind the university’s decisions, we must be aware of them. We have pressed the university on numerous occasions on the issue of transparency. We hope to see change, but every time we’re let down. We’re the students of this university, the ones going to classes, the ones living in residence halls and the ones paying the tuition bills. All we’re asking is for an official announcement from the administration.

We’re still waiting, Aoun.