Spring Break
Letter to the editor: Hope for improvements at Moravian
Sarah Naumes
Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: Opinion
With graduation on the horizon and nearly four years of a fantastic and life-changing education, I can say without a doubt that I chose the right institution to obtain my bachelor's degree.
But, in my fourth and final year at Moravian, I feel obligated to point out some wide-reaching problems at this institution. I point these issues out because I love Moravian and know the college can and should do better.
Moravian is well known for adhering to the principle of "loco parentis," or the theory of "in the place of a parent."
While this philosophy may seem quaint to some, I find it insulting.
I came to Moravian expecting to be treated as an adult. College is supposed to be a time of self-discovery and growth, but that isn't possible if the bureaucracy won't allow students a say in issues that affect their everyday life.
Why is it that students were not invited to the session on the financial crisis and the cutbacks Moravian will be making?
How come students do not have further say in college contracts?
And why is it that student organizations are expected to report their every move?
While I am aware that there are situations where administrators have important advice and knowledge that students may not have thought about, I am also aware that this is meant to be a college and the central roles of college should be to educate and promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle.
The Moravian College mission statement claims that "the College seeks to develop in students of all backgrounds the capacity to learn, reflect, reason, communicate, and act with integrity as individuals and in association with others. This education prepares men and women for advanced study and continuous learning, individual achievement, and leadership and service for the common good."
I do not see how a student could graduate from college, having lived in a bubble for four years and seriously be expected to do any of these things.
But, in my fourth and final year at Moravian, I feel obligated to point out some wide-reaching problems at this institution. I point these issues out because I love Moravian and know the college can and should do better.
Moravian is well known for adhering to the principle of "loco parentis," or the theory of "in the place of a parent."
While this philosophy may seem quaint to some, I find it insulting.
I came to Moravian expecting to be treated as an adult. College is supposed to be a time of self-discovery and growth, but that isn't possible if the bureaucracy won't allow students a say in issues that affect their everyday life.
Why is it that students were not invited to the session on the financial crisis and the cutbacks Moravian will be making?
How come students do not have further say in college contracts?
And why is it that student organizations are expected to report their every move?
While I am aware that there are situations where administrators have important advice and knowledge that students may not have thought about, I am also aware that this is meant to be a college and the central roles of college should be to educate and promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle.
The Moravian College mission statement claims that "the College seeks to develop in students of all backgrounds the capacity to learn, reflect, reason, communicate, and act with integrity as individuals and in association with others. This education prepares men and women for advanced study and continuous learning, individual achievement, and leadership and service for the common good."
I do not see how a student could graduate from college, having lived in a bubble for four years and seriously be expected to do any of these things.
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