2008 Woodie Awards
University cares less about students as they progress
Runnin' Wild
By Tony Maiocco
Rocket Columnist
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Opinion
With college back in full swing, everyone is getting back into their usual routines. I'm happy to be back writing for the Rocket this semester. I'm even happier that I found a place to live on such short notice.
At the end of last year, I had thought I secured an apartment, only to find out it had fallen through. With three months left until school started, it was difficult to find something either available or in my price range.
Suddenly, I had a revelation. The university had built these new, wonderful dorms. Every time I would head onto the campus Web site, there was information thrown at me about building progress, demolition, construction and how immaculate these new buildings were. Realizing how stupid it would be not to live there, I strolled down to the housing office to sign up.
I wasn't allowed in.
Actually, maybe my choice of words was a bit harsh. I didn't meet the requirements needed to live in the dorms. You have to sign a contract for a full year and I'm graduating this December.
I guess I could have stayed for an extra semester to fulfill the contract. The university would get more of my money, and I know they never mind that. Plus, I'd have a whole year to live in those sweet dorms.
Then again, there can't be that many people who take an extra semester of classes. The only people who might apply to do so are transfer students and people who can't get the classes they need in time.
The point of this story is to demonstrate how much Slippery Rock cares about its long-term students. The past four and a half years have shown me that the longer you stay here, the less they care.
It's understandable. The university is a business, and to make money, they need new students. The new dorms were built to draw in freshmen and it seems to be working.
Heck, think about your first day moving in. Remember all the stupid, free crap you got? Plastic cups, T-shirts and a random assortment of other useless junk that, if you're like me, ended up either being pitched or tossed in a closet somewhere.
You need the freshmen to stay long enough to make sure those tuition checks clear.
I also think this is why scheduling is always a hassle and will never be fixed. SRU probably figures students will get frustrated and leave, making room for new cattle.
My biggest problem is that the university only knows a student exists when there is a cash issue. I should also inform anyone who plans on graduating that it costs $20 to process your graduation papers.
Apparently, the millions we pump into this school over four years just isn't enough to take care of the printing costs for a degree.
In the end, it's a big business. So with that, I'm going to take my fancy new ID card and spend my food money on pointless things. See you next week.
Tony Maiocco is a senior journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.
At the end of last year, I had thought I secured an apartment, only to find out it had fallen through. With three months left until school started, it was difficult to find something either available or in my price range.
Suddenly, I had a revelation. The university had built these new, wonderful dorms. Every time I would head onto the campus Web site, there was information thrown at me about building progress, demolition, construction and how immaculate these new buildings were. Realizing how stupid it would be not to live there, I strolled down to the housing office to sign up.
I wasn't allowed in.
Actually, maybe my choice of words was a bit harsh. I didn't meet the requirements needed to live in the dorms. You have to sign a contract for a full year and I'm graduating this December.
I guess I could have stayed for an extra semester to fulfill the contract. The university would get more of my money, and I know they never mind that. Plus, I'd have a whole year to live in those sweet dorms.
Then again, there can't be that many people who take an extra semester of classes. The only people who might apply to do so are transfer students and people who can't get the classes they need in time.
The point of this story is to demonstrate how much Slippery Rock cares about its long-term students. The past four and a half years have shown me that the longer you stay here, the less they care.
It's understandable. The university is a business, and to make money, they need new students. The new dorms were built to draw in freshmen and it seems to be working.
Heck, think about your first day moving in. Remember all the stupid, free crap you got? Plastic cups, T-shirts and a random assortment of other useless junk that, if you're like me, ended up either being pitched or tossed in a closet somewhere.
You need the freshmen to stay long enough to make sure those tuition checks clear.
I also think this is why scheduling is always a hassle and will never be fixed. SRU probably figures students will get frustrated and leave, making room for new cattle.
My biggest problem is that the university only knows a student exists when there is a cash issue. I should also inform anyone who plans on graduating that it costs $20 to process your graduation papers.
Apparently, the millions we pump into this school over four years just isn't enough to take care of the printing costs for a degree.
In the end, it's a big business. So with that, I'm going to take my fancy new ID card and spend my food money on pointless things. See you next week.
Tony Maiocco is a senior journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Elizabeth
posted 9/01/07 @ 4:12 PM EST
Yeah, it sucks a lot to have to pay to graduate... at my undergrad, we had to pay $50 and then even more to walk during the ceremony!
Beyond that, why would any university care about you after sophomore year? Once you have that many credits, you can forget about a straight transfer, much less that where ever you go will have similar degree requirements. (Continued…)
Amy
posted 9/14/07 @ 10:09 PM EST
This is a waste of editorial space. This editorial is just another example of whiny students believing that they are entitled to anything and everything. (Continued…)
Jessica
posted 9/21/07 @ 9:04 AM EST
I agree with the comments that apply to SRU only cares about new students. I have been here for three years and it seems every year I get pushed further and further down the list of importance. (Continued…)
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