DURING my four years at the University there is much I have come to appreciate about Mr. Jefferson’s University. That being said, while looking back at my time here I have come across a few ways in which I believe the University could be improved. As an out-of-state student I have noticed a distinct bias against out-of-state students, with several scheduling changes and policies unnecessarily inconveniencing us. While we may be required to pay more we should not have to give up more in other ways as well just for the privilege of attending a college in Virginia. At the same time, the traditions held so dear at the University are often upheld merely because they are traditions and not because they continue to represent our current values.
The reasoning behind reduced in-state tuition revolves around the fact that the families of in-state students pay taxes which helps support the school while out-of–state students only fund the school through tuition. While this is true, the University is different from most public schools in that much of its funding is private. With ever-diminishing state funding the University must raise tuition, but instead of raising equally or adding to in-state tuition to make up for the lack of tax revenue, they increase the already high cost for out-of-state students.
The University’s scheduling choices are a more glaring example of an in-state bias. Two years ago students used to receive a full week off for Thanksgiving, allowing out-of-state students ample time to travel home the Friday or Saturday before Thanksgiving in order to have several days home before they had to return. The schedule now cuts Thanksgiving break in half, only allowing students approximately 3 days home after accounting for travel. In addition, the University does not offer any free transportation to the airport, requiring students to get a $30 cab ride on top of their already expensive flights. The cost of a bus service to the airport during popular travel times would be minimal in comparison to the $30,000 in tuition we are paying.
Another criticism of mine does not involve bias against a particular group of students but instead affects all of us. From the first day of orientation through my 4th year I am constantly bombarded with information and borderline propaganda supporting the many traditions that exist around Grounds. While traditions can be fun and are important for remembering one’s history, the University has too often chosen the maintaining of tradition over logic or modernization.
While the University prides itself on being a politically liberal campus it still remains very socially conservative. The current status of the Greek system provides a great example of this point. Sororities are restricted more than those in any other university, not allowing alcohol or even males to exist within the premises of the houses. While I understand that many of these specific rules are in accordance with national sorority rules the overall attitude of restriction at the University does not help to modernize the belief that sorority women should behave as they were expected back in the nineteenth century when the school was founded. As a member of a fraternity myself I am glad that men are not held to this strict standard, however I cannot understand how the University expects college women to be treated as equals with men when they are not afforded the same freedoms.
A more glaring example of the University’s insistence on tradition involves the honor system, possibly its most treasured institution. Incoming students hear nothing but praise for how great a system is that refuses to change with the times despite being formed on outdated idealistic values. Secret societies and other organizations spread campaign propaganda and use questionable practices ironically in hopes of preserving their idea of “honor.” Just because something was originally created does not mean it should not be changed. The United States Constitution has 27 amendments, the first ten making up the Bill of Rights that we hold so dear. I understand that there are many benefits to the single sanction, but those who argue for it should not include “tradition” as part of their arguments, because all that serves to do is belittle the students who worked hard to actually debate alternatives based on rational decision-making.
I do not wish for this column to be viewed as merely an outlet of my frustrations with the University. I am only pointing these things out because I want the college I love to improve. There are so many great things at the University and I only wish to that these problems can be improved on for future graduating classes. I will graduate the University very grateful for the time I spent here and will enjoy watching the school prosper in the future. Wahoowa!
Keith Jacobs is a fourth-year in the College of Arts and Sciences, graduating with a degree in biochemistry.
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