2008 Woodie Awards
Calling on Mum and Dad:
The only way to get things done?
Muhlenberg Weekly Executive Board
Issue date: 2/10/05 Section: Op/Ed
- Page 1 of 1
In light of the recent concern surrounding the attendence of underage seniors at 100 Days, those seniors under 21 and their friends will most likely have found themselves happy to hear that all members of the class of 2005 were allowed to attend the event. What is still of concern, however, is how this change in policy came about.
While most of the senior class was greeted with yellow slips of paper describing 100 Days in their campus mail last week, those under 21 also received notice that they would not be able to attend the event due to their age. Up until a day before the event, this policy held true. Becky Grace stated that this rule was due to the establishment that was to hold the event not wanting to lose their liquor license. However, a day before the event, Grace commented that the policy was changed; all members of the class of 2005 would be allowed to attend 100 days.
It cannot be said for sure what caused this change in policy, but, perhaps more than coincidently, a parent of one of the underage students made a call to the College the day the change was made. Until that point, neither Student Council nor the administration had remedied the situation, and it looked as if those under 21 would have to stay home for the night. Interestingly, after one call from a parent, all that changed.
What is most alarming is that at a college that is supposed to be educating adults, the students instead are treated like children. A myriad of other student concerns--the Life Sports Center dress code, Greek issues and meal plans--have been met with conferences and task forces, all talk and no action. One can only imagine what would happen if a few parents were to make phone calls about these problems.
When will the College stop treating students as if they were in elementary school, and why is this so? Perhaps one reason is that parents usually foot the bill--does the College want to "raise" forthright students or more money? And when will the College recognize student wishes and greet them with more than empty promises? Until this happens, students will just have to keep giving Mummy and Daddy a ring.
While most of the senior class was greeted with yellow slips of paper describing 100 Days in their campus mail last week, those under 21 also received notice that they would not be able to attend the event due to their age. Up until a day before the event, this policy held true. Becky Grace stated that this rule was due to the establishment that was to hold the event not wanting to lose their liquor license. However, a day before the event, Grace commented that the policy was changed; all members of the class of 2005 would be allowed to attend 100 days.
It cannot be said for sure what caused this change in policy, but, perhaps more than coincidently, a parent of one of the underage students made a call to the College the day the change was made. Until that point, neither Student Council nor the administration had remedied the situation, and it looked as if those under 21 would have to stay home for the night. Interestingly, after one call from a parent, all that changed.
What is most alarming is that at a college that is supposed to be educating adults, the students instead are treated like children. A myriad of other student concerns--the Life Sports Center dress code, Greek issues and meal plans--have been met with conferences and task forces, all talk and no action. One can only imagine what would happen if a few parents were to make phone calls about these problems.
When will the College stop treating students as if they were in elementary school, and why is this so? Perhaps one reason is that parents usually foot the bill--does the College want to "raise" forthright students or more money? And when will the College recognize student wishes and greet them with more than empty promises? Until this happens, students will just have to keep giving Mummy and Daddy a ring.