New student orientation is too much fun and games
Michael Metts
Issue date: 8/29/08 Section: Opinion
My first few days at the Arbor weren't all that pleasant. Of course, they weren't my first few days at the Arbor either.
My dad has been teaching here almost as long as I've been alive. I went on trips with him and his students to Cedar Bend, New York and Chicago. I knew every nook and cranny of Sayre Decan Hall and I remember when the auditorium was named after E.P. Hart.
Yet somehow, it was deemed mandatory that I attend "Student Orientation." Not exactly sure what I needed to be oriented to, I was a bit reluctant.
When I arrived we were all out in the president's lawn playing games. Incredibly silly games. I've never found myself wanting to be perceived as younger than I am and it was certainly hard not to throw down that stupid hula-hoop and storm away.
What benefit is this? How could they treat us like children? I groped for answers but they were beyond me. If anyone knows, I'm still waiting.
Then, this year, I witnessed something truly amazing. The faculty and staff retreat. All the employees of the university were required to attend. They arrived, were given matching t-shirts, which they were required to wear, and were organized into groups in the DC. Sound familiar? They then went out to the track and played silly games! All the while staff members made known their complaints that this event was required.
So while this year's orientation is required for all of you incoming freshman, I know there will be some of you who don't enjoy it. I hope your hearts can be comforted by the knowledge that even your professors have to suffer through humiliating games of tug-of-war.
My dad has been teaching here almost as long as I've been alive. I went on trips with him and his students to Cedar Bend, New York and Chicago. I knew every nook and cranny of Sayre Decan Hall and I remember when the auditorium was named after E.P. Hart.
Yet somehow, it was deemed mandatory that I attend "Student Orientation." Not exactly sure what I needed to be oriented to, I was a bit reluctant.
When I arrived we were all out in the president's lawn playing games. Incredibly silly games. I've never found myself wanting to be perceived as younger than I am and it was certainly hard not to throw down that stupid hula-hoop and storm away.
What benefit is this? How could they treat us like children? I groped for answers but they were beyond me. If anyone knows, I'm still waiting.
Then, this year, I witnessed something truly amazing. The faculty and staff retreat. All the employees of the university were required to attend. They arrived, were given matching t-shirts, which they were required to wear, and were organized into groups in the DC. Sound familiar? They then went out to the track and played silly games! All the while staff members made known their complaints that this event was required.
So while this year's orientation is required for all of you incoming freshman, I know there will be some of you who don't enjoy it. I hope your hearts can be comforted by the knowledge that even your professors have to suffer through humiliating games of tug-of-war.
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