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Editorial: Help for Haiti

Even after seeing endless footage and coverage of the January 12 earthquake that left much of Haiti's capital and surrounding area in ruins, it is nearly impossible to fully conceptualize the devastation. The media can inundate papers and Web sites with images of the hungry, the sick, the orphaned and the dead, but there is no way to represent the hardship thrust on each individual life.

Editorial: Our Challenge

During a Wednesday night meeting to discuss the presence, prevalence, and perils of alcohol on campus, one consensus was clear: identifying the crux of the problem is as difficult as identifying any potential solutions. While the raw data suggest that students are treating alcohol differently this year than they have in years past, the arguments articulated by students and administrators define the wide spectrum of opinions concerning current alcohol policy: either it is too strict, too lenient, or is simply too removed from the realities of drinking culture at Bowdoin for it to apply.

Editorial

This piece represents the opinion of The Bowdoin Orient editorial board.

January 29, 2010

The joys of a fresh semester: reconnecting with friends, choosing between two menus at each meal...and not getting into a class you need? Though these first couple of weeks are free of the stresses that build throughout the semester, scheduling complications can persist for a few weeks into the term. The problem, inevitably, is any of the following: a course isn't what you thought it would be, you are on the waiting list for one class but need to attend another to cover your bases, or you want to move into a new class that meets at the same time as one you're already enrolled in—but don't want to risk losing your secured spot if you can't get into your preferred choice.

We understand that professors want to finalize their rosters as quickly as possible in order to move ahead with course material, but substantial assignments given early on hinder the feasibility of utilizing the add/drop period. Though we don't expect a reprieve from work altogether, we ask that our professors consider that we may need some time to finalize our course schedules.

In addition, we propose that on the first day of class, each professor briefly review his or her course expectations and syllabus, dismiss the class without finalizing a roster, then wait for other interested students who are investigating their options. This solution eliminates the dilemma faced by students who are choosing between two classes that meet at the same time. Though this proposal demands the patience of our professors, we think it would be a small price to pay for a great deal of sanity for all involved.

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