Fall semester is coming to a close, and it is once again time to register for, and complain about, the upcoming schedule for classes.
As is the usual custom around this time of year, there is a mixed feeling of excitement and frustration prevalent among the student body of Dixie State University.
Recently, I have heard a lot of complaining from students regarding the idea that all the classes they need are offered “at the same time,” and that somehow the people who set the schedule “don’t want me to graduate; they just want more of my tuition money.”
For a brief period, I belonged to this group of naysayers. Upon glancing at the spring class schedule, I decided DSU did not share my plans that involved graduating next fall. I also thought all the classes I need to take were offered at the exact same hours.
After a couple of days to think things through and examine things more closely, I have now come to a couple of conclusions. First, the faculty and staff of DSU actually do a good job breaking up the upper-division classes so juniors and seniors can take the required courses to graduate. Second, the reason students have so many complaints is because we are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices to obtain that coveted diploma.
I call you to the same repentance I am going through currently. If we truly want to graduate and advance in life, we must be more flexible. We think university officials hate us because required courses are offered while we work or are busy with other things. Sometimes changes need to happen, and sacrifices must be made for the greater good.
If we don’t graduate when we are supposed to, the fault lies with us. We must be willing to change our work schedules or, gasp, find a new job. I personally have figured things out well enough that I will be able to keep my current job through the spring. However, I accept the fact that once summer and fall come around, I will more than likely be required to find different employment or go jobless for a few months so I can graduate next December.
We need to be honest with ourselves. That cushy job at the call center might seem like a good thing now, but chances are that is not what you want to do for the rest of your life.
There are also various ways we can make our voices heard if it turns out there needs to be more or better class hours. Instead of complaining to each other, we can communicate our concerns to faculty members of our department. They are the people who help set the schedule.
There is also a feature on the Banner site that allows students to give feedback on course availability. This can help in the future for more sections for a given course.
There is lot of pressure placed on us students, but if we manage it well, we can arrive at the light at the end of the tunnel sooner than we think.
No more complaining. Do what you have to in order to get to that light.
