2008 Woodie Awards
Students shouldn't expect extra perks without extra work
The Traveler Editorial Board
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 2 next >
About 200 students who live in Maple Hill want the benefits of a new residence hall without the cost, apparently. This isn't to say they don't want to pay the high price for the new UA residence hall in the northwest corner of campus, but rather, they don't want to do the auxiliary work required by UA Housing.
The student who drafted the petition protesting the requirements for Maple Hill residents cites confusing language, lack of and tardy communications and fine print for the misunderstanding of the contractual terms of the residence hall, but according to the UA Housing Web site, the requirements for Maple Hill residents were posted online on April 4 and sent out to prospective residents on post cards in mid-April. If having access to the terms of a contract prior to signing it is not enough, then perhaps a seminar conveying the importance of comprehending a contract prior to signing it is a technique that should be taught in the Freshman Seminar that is being protested.
The Freshman Seminar "exposes residents to the resources of the UA, diverse cultures and ideas and assists in the development of intellectual, personal and social skills that will assist students in making a successful transition to college life and ultimately allow them to be successful at the UA and beyond," according to the July 2007 edition of the Maple Hill Newsletter. How could a class such as this be detrimental to the scholarly progress of a student at the UA?
One could argue, as the drafter of the petition in Maple Hill does, that the principles discussed in the class are detracting from students' academic focus. However, the class would probably be better characterized as an opportunity for students to learn how they can make their study methods more efficient.
Additionally, the subjects of the seminar - understanding higher education, self knowledge/strengths, time management and leading a balanced life, campus resources and services, academic skills, diversity awareness, money management and career exploration - are all crucial skills for UA students. It is a tragedy that some students manage to graduate from this institution without knowledge of those subjects and a required course that teaches the basics of these principles is a great way to promote those skills.
The student who drafted the petition protesting the requirements for Maple Hill residents cites confusing language, lack of and tardy communications and fine print for the misunderstanding of the contractual terms of the residence hall, but according to the UA Housing Web site, the requirements for Maple Hill residents were posted online on April 4 and sent out to prospective residents on post cards in mid-April. If having access to the terms of a contract prior to signing it is not enough, then perhaps a seminar conveying the importance of comprehending a contract prior to signing it is a technique that should be taught in the Freshman Seminar that is being protested.
The Freshman Seminar "exposes residents to the resources of the UA, diverse cultures and ideas and assists in the development of intellectual, personal and social skills that will assist students in making a successful transition to college life and ultimately allow them to be successful at the UA and beyond," according to the July 2007 edition of the Maple Hill Newsletter. How could a class such as this be detrimental to the scholarly progress of a student at the UA?
One could argue, as the drafter of the petition in Maple Hill does, that the principles discussed in the class are detracting from students' academic focus. However, the class would probably be better characterized as an opportunity for students to learn how they can make their study methods more efficient.
Additionally, the subjects of the seminar - understanding higher education, self knowledge/strengths, time management and leading a balanced life, campus resources and services, academic skills, diversity awareness, money management and career exploration - are all crucial skills for UA students. It is a tragedy that some students manage to graduate from this institution without knowledge of those subjects and a required course that teaches the basics of these principles is a great way to promote those skills.
Be the first to comment on this story