From another perspective

Being the Editorial Page Editor provides me with the luxury of expressing my views on any topic pertaining to the Colonnade’s readership. Most of these topics will involve issues dealing with Georgia College & State University.

This week I would like to discuss two topics that have been on many readers’ minds: Freshman having to live on campus in 2003 and possible solutions for GC&SU’s parking problem.

I don’t think freshman should be forced to live on campus. I have lived on campus for the past two years, and though it has been a great
experience, it’s not for everyone.

A good percentage of GC&SU’s student body consists of commuters. Why force them to live on campus, when they have the luxury of living at home with their families for free? Other students work full time off-campus and living on campus would be an inconvenience for their lifestyle. Rather, students should be encouraged to live on campus.

I chose to live on campus, because I was the only one from my high school graduating class attending this college. I figured that living on campus would enable me to meet new people and “grow up.” I accomplished both of those goals. I have met plenty of people, most of whom I still see often. I’ve adjusted to college life and have enjoyed almost every minute of it, however like I said living in the residence halls is not for everyone.

I know some people who gained nothing from living on campus their
first year. I also know several commuters, who claim they received just as much of a college experience as I have.

Each student is different, and each student adjusts to college in his or
her own way. Therefore, each student should be provided with a choice. Forcing a student to live on campus could cause resentment, rebelliousness and bitterness towards residence hall life. These feelings would cause chaos and lack of a mature environment. They need upperclassmen in the residence halls to look up and reach to for guidance. Upperclassmen and freshman should share the residence hall experience and learn from another.

Please let there be an open parking space! Does this sound like you every morning? Well, I have a solution. How about not allowing the freshman that live on campus to have a car for their first year?

When I was a freshman, I didn’t have a car. Honestly, you really don’t need one. If you live on campus, everything you need is within ten minutes walking distance from you. I’m sure upperclassmen living in your residence hall would be happy to offer you a ride to the ever-needed Wal-Mart.

Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia practice this system of denying freshman the privilege of occupying necessary parking spaces. This idea would provide commuters, faculty and upperclassmen more open spaces. It would also provide GC&SU more time to build the parking deck, since other projects, such as the library, new residence halls and the West Complex Apartments, need to be completed first. The shuttle service also needs to be increased. At least three shuttles should run back forth from main campus. This would allow longer hours of
service.

I think GC&SU would gain from these adjustments. Parking has been a problem for a while on this campus, and with some new rules the problem can be diminished.

By allowing freshman to make their own decisions regarding where they live for their first year, they will be able to adjust and grow in an environment they want to live in, and the residence halls will continue to feature a diverse and pleasant community.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 20 2002. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry