Brittany Dean
Staff Writer
Life is full of choices. There are choices we must make about school, majors and classes. But choosing classes is not be a privilege the class of 2008 will have this semester.
The administration decided to create each freshmen’s schedule to help newcomers adjust to campus life without the added stress of choosing classes and trying to get into them, said academic adviser Yvonne Carol.
This change also makes scheduling classes fair for all students. In past years, students who were able to come to the June New Student Orientation had first pick of available classes, while students who attended the August session of NSO had to choose from the remaining spots. They were, however, able to select which classes they wanted to take going into their first semester.
Now, freshmen answer a series of questions such as what classes they’ve liked and disliked in the past, what their intended major is and whether they want to participate in an international program.
Freshmen are then given aschedule that theoretically meets the answered criteria. Most classes will be general education courses, with perhaps one major course. Most students will have between 15 and 17 units per semester.
Although the reasons for assigned schedules are well intended, the result leaves freshmen without the privilege of setting their own agenda.
Coming to college means stepping out and becoming responsible and independent. Choosing classes may seem insignificant, but it is definitely part of the process. Freshmen who plan their own schedules can make time for specific extra-curricular activities.
I was disappointed to see that my schedule directly conflicts with several activities I have been anticipating. Not only did I want to arrange my classes so that I could work enough hours to make enough money to help support myself, but I planned to participate in a young adults group at my church in Los Angeles. The administration’s decision has made it difficult for me to balance work and church with school.
Incoming freshmen have given this pre-scheduling procedure mixed reviews. Some students are upset and annoyed by their assigned classes and wonder how the administration could make decisions about their preferences or interests in courses. Some are excited that they don’t have the burden of making decisions about how to schedule their courses or which ones they should pick for their majors. Still others are indifferent and would be happy one way or the other.
With all of these reactions, you may ask how we as a community can resolve this issue. The administration should let the students decide whether we prefer to choose our own classes, then everyone would be happy. If a student has a hectic and dissatisfying schedule, then that student should be allowed the opportunity to set your schedule.
If a student doesn’t want to choose courses, and it doesn’t matter what courses are selected, then the administration can pick your classes once the previous students have picked their classes.
Some actions have been taken to resolve some of these issues. The instructions to freshmen say that, with a good excuse, a student can switch courses. However, it may not be quite that easy. Some students reported long lines with no result when trying to change classes at the summer session of NSO. Either way it goes, for the largest class in Pepperdine history, this academic year is going to begin controversially.
08-30-2004