Monday, October 10, 2011

The College State of Mind: Common Sense and Safety

Hey hey everybody,

I think it's safe to say that everyone wants to be safe. College student, parent, or anyone, everyone wants to feel some sort of safety. With regards to parents, they want to know that they're sending their kids to a safe place.

No worries friends, I'm not claiming that SMC, or any other college for that matter, isn't safe. Far from it actually. SMC has a lot of wonderful staff designed to make campus safe. This includes 24/7 public safety officers, fire and rescue crews, resident assistants and blue light boxes across campus. However, I think it's important for college students to remember something very important.

Students need to remember that safety is a state of mind. If you don't use common sense and meet your campus's security halfway, then your campus security can't keep you as safe. What do I mean by this?

I mean thinking before you do things. When we were kids, we were taught little lessons to make us safe. Don't play in the street. Don't cross the street without looking both ways. Don't play with fire. Wear appropriate clothes when leaving the house. Little lessons like that kept us safe when we lived with our parents. However, college students sometimes forget those little lessons when they are on their own.

Consider this. I lived on a college campus for four years and worked as a Resident Assistant for three of them. I even had the ability to talk with other colleges and other RA's from around New England and heard many different stupid stories. I saw students, students who claimed to be smart, act so stupidly that it's a miracle they weren't hurt. I've seen countless students just walk into the road and not even care to see if a car was coming. I even heard a few stories where people were actually hit. I've seen people try to use incense by placing them in a flammable toilet paper roll and lighting them. I've seen students hit a wall and get surprised when they're hurting afterwords. I've seen students find a random stranger from off campus and bring them back to campus to party, which I'd hope you'd realize is a really bad idea.

I'm writing this because I want to remind students to use common sense in their everyday lives. Yes, campus is a safe place for you. However, it's only safe if you actually think and use common sense. It doesn't mean you can do whatever you want and expect the college to keep you safe. They'll do their best, but you have to meet them half way. Make good decisions and keep you and your fellow students safe.

With that friends, be safe and have a great one. If you have comments or questions, I'd love to hear them. Feel free to send them my way.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Changing College Culture

Hey hey everybody,

Oh how the time flies. I just happened to be on campus a little while back and I watched a tour walk past me. Funny as it was, the father had basically taken over the tour with his nostalgia (which happens when Alumni decide to show off their Alma Mater) and it made me really think about if things have really changed.

Interesting enough, I think I have an interesting perspective on this. Considering Saint Michael's College, my mother was a graduate of SMC, I recently graduated from SMC, and am also getting my masters through SMC and live right around the corner. With that in mind, I have had the opportunity to really experience Saint Michael's.

Things change, they absolutely do. I think college is generally the same, as students still have to fulfill the same requirements, go to classes, and deal with the stresses that come with college life.

But at the same time, the college culture has changed. Back in 1978, the movie Animal House was first shown in theaters. This is a big deal as college culture is, to at least some extent, defined by this wonderful movie. That said, college has changed since then. Yes, there are parties but nothing like back then.

In today's day and age, students go out on weekends, they drink, and maybe they'll do something else and students find that exciting. Does that sound like Animal House?

No. No it doesn't. I'm sure you're wondering what the point of this is. Every year I hear people saying that what happens in colleges today is completely unacceptable. In some cases, I agree, college needs to be more about the academics than the partying. However, this isn't what they mean.

This is highly hypocritical as these people went to college back in the sixties/seventies. This was the time when St. Patricks day was such a horrible day that campus's scheduled vacations around it just to get students off campus. This was the time when students played drunken pranks which students still hear about twenty+ years later.

No one seems to remember those times when the debates begin. And yet, they can't stop talking about how wild and fun it was back in the day when you pull them aside. People really need to look at how far college has come, and really consider if the complaining is necessary.

One last thought, this one specifically to anyone at Saint Mikes. The worst thing you could do is take away PDay. Every year, someone comes forward and tries to take it away because they feel it's counter productive. It's a decision that will bite you in the butt and turn the students against you.

With that, I'm outta here. If you have questions or something you want me to rant about, send it my way. Have a great one and I'll see you soon.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The Rest of the List

Hey hey everybody,

So, I finally got off my butt and got around to that list of questions you've all sent me. Like I said last time, it's really not all that much to say about the rest of the list, so here they are. Enjoy!! If you have an additional questions/things you wanted me to write about, then send them in.

START Team: This is actually pretty interesting, though I can't be positive I know everything about it. Here's the deal, START teams aren't a part of Saint Michael's College. They are a part of the local PD. No matter what a college might tell you, local PD has every right to come onto campus. In this case, START teams are teams of off-duty Police officers who go looking for underage drinking. They surround places on a college campus and won't let people leave until they show them ID. They don't come onto campus's often and there is usually a little bit of notice before they show up.

How important is the KnightCard: Very important. Not only can it be used all over campus (vending machines, washing/drying machines, and Cafes) but it can also be used in stores and restaurants throughout the surrounding area. Students/families can put money on their card and use it just like a debit card. However, it's most important usage is that it acts as your building key. Basically, swipe the card at any swipe point(found at all exterior doors) and as long as you have access to that area, the door will unlock. That means that you can get into any building until a specific time. After that time, you have to get someone to let you in. It's all about safety.

KnightVision and eCollege: These are two systems that all students will get to know. Basically, KnightVision is your one stop shop for student information. If you want to see what your grades were last semester, how you're progressing in your major/LSR's, your financial aid information, your class schedule, and even scheduling your classes for next semester, then you log into KnightVision. That's all you need. eCollege has everything you need to know about your courses. Assuming your professor uses it, you can log into each course, download documents, email professor/other students, get grades, submit homework, and view the class syllabus. Many professors use it, and are learning better ways to use it with each semester.

Quiet Hours/Parietal's: Yes, we have quiet hours and yes, they are enforced. Resident Assistants do rounds every night and if you are too loud, then you will be asked to quiet down. The hours are weekdays (Sunday through Thursday) students have to be quiet from 9pm - 7am and weekends (Friday and Saturday) from 11pm to 7am. If you get asked too many times, especially if they happen multiple times in a night, then there are additional consequences. Yes, we also have parietal's. However, I don't consider them all that important. We don't allow men living in women's rooms/suites and vice versa. If we see it, then we'll confront you on it. If it becomes an issue, then Resident Directors get involved.  That's all you really need to know.

Construction on Campus: Grounds crew's and local professionals fix things on campus when they need to be fixed. You won't see much work at night (I haven't seen it in my 4 years) and most of the work won't get in your way too badly. As for the planned construction in the quad, I have no idea what's going on with it. I know they plan for it to be a new student center and make our quad more accessible to the handicap and transgender community.

I think that's everything you all asked for. If you have further questions or comments, feel free to send them my way. BTW: I've already got my next blog planned and I can tell you right now, I'm about to be very nostalgic. Have a great one and see you all real soon!!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

What's up with ACT 1?

Hey hey everybody,

As promised, I'm here to talk about ACT 1. However, it should be noted that I've never actually been to ACT 1, but I've heard enough from friends and through Residence Life that I can explain it a little better.

ACT 1 is one of the many programs (sort of) we have to keep the residents safe. Saint Michael's tries to offer a safe environment for it's students to live and learn in. However, this is sometimes harder than you might think. The idea behind ACT 1 is simple, provide a safe place for intoxicated students when it is not safe, for them or for those around them, to remain on campus.

ACT 1 is located a short ways away from campus and is basically nothing more than a building filled with rooms. Each room has a bed and that's about it. The staff checks on them regularly and once they are deemed sober, they are released. While I can't remember if this policy is still accurate, I believe you can call SMC and actually get a free ride back to campus. There is one catch though.

ACT 1 has limited space and services the multiple colleges in the area as well as the general Burlington community. Once they've hit their limit, they will no longer accept more people until room opens up again. In this case, intoxicated students are sent to the hospital. If the hospital won't take them, which doesn't happen often but does happen, they have to spend the night in the local PD's drunk tank. I've never actually heard of that happening before so I really don't think it happens often at all.

From talking with other schools, it seems many colleges have plans like these, but in general, the majority of students don't find their way into ACT 1. This is because, at least here at Saint Michael's, we are willing to let you stay on campus as long as it is safe to do so and someone is willing to look after you. We call this the sober friend program and it's how most people who are little too intoxicated get cared for.

Considering that, I really don't believe the majority of students will need a sober friend. The truth of the matter is that the majority of students, both here and at college across the country, are generally responsible. Or at least, when it comes to things like this. Yes, students get into trouble and it's important for colleges to have protocols, like ACT 1 or the sober friend, and know what to do when it's time to act.

To any parents that are reading, this is why it's important to ask the embarrassing questions. No one wants to be the "that guy" but it's an important thing to know when making your college choice. My mom was "that guy." Every school we went to, it was almost always the first question she asked of the tour guide. I was not a fan of it, but it helped me make my decision. I want to point out that I was a tour guide for three years, and only a handful of my tours asked the question.

I've ranted long enough. I've still got a nice list of things that you want me to cover, and I'll get right on that. My next post might actually cover the rest of the list, so stay tuned. With that, have a great one.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

It's One of Those Discussions...

Hey hey everybody

So, I got a question recently about what exactly a Resident Assistant does and how easy is it to get away with things.

First, I'd like to say thank you for asking this question. There's been a lot of discussion lately by members of the class of 2015 about less than wonderful subjects and I assume this question is in reaction to that. No worries, I'm still going to answer but I want to comment about how stupid it is to tell the bank guard that you're about to rob the bank. Remember, the comment only take a few seconds to post, but it's there forever and people take notice. Get smart, because you may not like what I'm gonna say.

Second, I want to just say that I recently graduated after serving three years as a Resident Assistant. I'm no longer an RA, but I can guarantee that not much has changed. I can only speak from my experiences at Saint Michael's, but I know from working with other colleges/universities, it's basically the same all around.

Here's the deal. A Resident Assistant's job is to not constantly watch you and slap you for every little thing. They are here to ensure the safety of residents and to ensure college policies and state/national laws are not being broken. This doesn't mean they are out to get you, as they are students just like you who have better things to do than be constantly watching for your indiscretions. But at the same time, if you choose to make unwise decisions, you may regret it later.

Like I said, I had this job for 3 years and I can tell you from experience it is extremely easy to spot the freshman in the townhouses. It's even easier to spot a freshman in the Quad and no matter how careful you are, if you decide to get totally wasted or use drugs, it's gets even easier. Especially when you consider that Resident Assistant's are only a handful of students. There are people on campus who's job is to care about that.

Saint Michael's College has public safety officers who's actual job, which is done every hour of every day, is to keep campus safe and enforce college policies. They make rounds in every part of campus and are not afraid to act when necessary, and they're pretty good at it. Not to forget of course and contrary to popular belief, local PD has every right to come onto any campus nationwide. They even have teams of people who go onto colleges campus's to find underage drinking. They're called START teams and if student's are lucky, they'll get a heads up before they're on campus.

Let's sum this up. There are a lot of things you can do on campus, but if you choose to make unwise decisions/actions, there's a pretty good chance you're going to get caught. I've seen time after time students who thought their loud music and that very recognizable smell (if you catch my meaning) kept them under the radar. I've met more than my share of first years who believed their forty-something thousand a year gave them free reign to do what they wish. This is not at all true. More importantly, if you are going to college just to party, then you are wasting your money and your families money. You mine as well stay home.

Thank you for the question, and I know I didn't answer all of your questions, but give me some time. You asked a lot of good questions and it's gonna take time for me to properly answer. With that, if this has raised any questions, send them my way and I'll get right on it. Next up: What is Act 1?

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Faith in my Education

Hey hey everybody,

It might just be me, but there are times in a person's life that make all the difference. They lift the spirit or change you in a fundamental way, and while you might not always remember every detail, you always remember the important things.

These are the events that make us laugh, cry, see life in a new way, or have your faith renewed. These are great events and I can safely say I've had a lot of those. I'm sure you're unsurprised but I had a lot of those at Saint Michael's College. I grew a great deal there, much more than just academically.

I wrote my previous post on how college graduates shouldn't worry about after graduation. They're gonna figure things out just like every other college graduate has. In all honesty friends, I wrote that during a time of uncertainty. I wrote that knowing I had no idea what I was going to do to support myself and that worried me.

I had faith that something was going to come up, but it was so difficult to keep the faith because it seemed like every job application I filled out went un-answered. I can say that I wasn't worried or scared, because in all honesty, I was.

In less than a 24 hour period, I got multiple requests for interviews. No matter what the media might say, there are people hiring and they are looking for us. Hopefully, one of them will hire me.

Don't worry about the value of your college education. No matter your major and no matter your interests. there are people who need our expertise... even if it takes them a while to get their game in gear. With that friends, I'm always here. In all seriousness though, my girlfriend Lauren goes to work and I get bored. I've got another month in my new apartment before any jobs start for me, so send me some questions and I'll give you some answers.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Expectations and Graduations?

Hey Hey Everybody!
A thought occurred to me after my last post. What exactly is supposed to happen after college?

During my talks with friends (SMC grads, other college grads, college students, etc) and relatives, the question always came up. What are you gonna do with yourself? How are you going to survive after college? Many college senior dread being asked those questions, but it only leaves me with one thought.

What do they expect? When I got asked the question, and had to man up and admit I didn't really have much planned, people seemed supportive, but also disappointed. As if we should know every last detail of what our future will hold.

For some college students, not knowing what the future holds is an extremely difficult thing to take. Will I be able to live somewhere other than my parent’s house (I totally crashed there a while)? Will I be able to find a job in this world? Will I be able to use my college education after graduation? What is the cost/benefits to living in a van down by the river?

As usual, I have some thoughts and the Saint Michael's College class of 2012 would do well to pay attention. Next May, the Class of 2012 will take the plunge into real life. As that fateful day comes forth, just remember one thing. You are not alone. Millions of college students have graduated before you (I’m proud to say I’m one of them), and millions will graduate after you.

In short, don’t worry about it. Every college graduate is a walking example of someone who survived past graduation. Are you worried that you have no idea what you will do after college? So what, every college graduate goes through that and figures things out. Most important is that the majority of college students aren't going to know what will happen after graduation. Sometimes they hit it big right away, sometimes it takes them some time, sometimes they use their major, sometimes they don't, and sometimes they go on to Hamburger University (look it up, it’s a real thing). Regardless of how little they actually know, they figure something out.

So, class of 2012, don’t worry. Make your final year count and see what comes of it. With those words of wisdom, I’m out. If you’ve got questions, send them my way. I’ll get right to them.