Everyone who has read this blog agrees they don't want courses to be cut. So now that we have all decided on that, what can we do now?
We need to take action and stop the cutting before starts. How we do it depends on the number of people we can attain to protest this situation. Some ideas I've heard from other's comments is that we should start a petition and a vote, and I think it's absolutely possible.
They key with petition success is making it easy. We can have a web space set up where people can go online and take less than a minute to sign against course cutting. We could set up places in the student center or in the different buildings where people could stop for just a minute, listen, and then sign.
Another step would be having many people write to the administration. If we can get the administation to agree to not cut courses if so many people disagree with it, we will really get people interested in signing the petition.
The first step is showing the administration that we are not okay with this idea, and we would like to have a say in decisions where budget cutting concerns. After all, we are the ones who will take the most damage, we should have a say in what we want here at SLCC.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Key Elements
What have we learned about course cutting? There isn't much to it, but there are some key elements to it.
Firstly, The economy is going downhill and SLCC is suffering quite a bit. They are running out of money and need to find some places they can discard to save more money. Secondly, because they need to cut expenses they want to find the easiest and less damaging places to do it. Thirdly, the best option is to cut unwanted classes so that they may focus on the classes that count.
For those reading this, the best course of action would be to get involved. The only way to let the administration know the students are concerned about this subject is by showing how much we actually care about it. We should protest against classes that we want being cut and make our opinions heard. Maybe try to get a vote in somewhere. After all, we are the ones who are going to take the blow, the administration doesn't have much to do with us losing classes. We should try to get involved and see what we can do to help.
If you're going to comment my blog, know that I feel like I'm repeating myself in these blogs. Does anyone have any other outlooks on this subject? Why they are cutting courses, or your opinions on what solutions you might have. I'd appreciate another outlook!
Firstly, The economy is going downhill and SLCC is suffering quite a bit. They are running out of money and need to find some places they can discard to save more money. Secondly, because they need to cut expenses they want to find the easiest and less damaging places to do it. Thirdly, the best option is to cut unwanted classes so that they may focus on the classes that count.
For those reading this, the best course of action would be to get involved. The only way to let the administration know the students are concerned about this subject is by showing how much we actually care about it. We should protest against classes that we want being cut and make our opinions heard. Maybe try to get a vote in somewhere. After all, we are the ones who are going to take the blow, the administration doesn't have much to do with us losing classes. We should try to get involved and see what we can do to help.
If you're going to comment my blog, know that I feel like I'm repeating myself in these blogs. Does anyone have any other outlooks on this subject? Why they are cutting courses, or your opinions on what solutions you might have. I'd appreciate another outlook!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Response
I am responding to those who posted comments on my blogs-
On the blogging issue:
Both comments agreed with me and my opinion. I assume all the class feels that way, and it is definitely nice to have Fridays off. I like how the one talked about how the teacher could have made this more painstaking and difficult...It's true. (In fact, I think they do it on purpose! Haha.) Blogging is a more relaxed way to do homework. A lot of us were really iffy about it at first, and thought it was one of the weirdest homework requests ever gotten. However, it worked out in the end pretty well.
One course cutting:
Most comments agreed on the concerns of course cutting. They seem nervous about the idea of not being able to get the classes they need for a certian degree. They didn't think it was very fair, and agree with me that the students should be able to decide on that issue. When I mentioned the idea of voting they were for that as well, but also agreed it probably wouldn't ever happen.
However, when I mentioned some of the ideas on the other side of course cutting, people agreed with those views as well. They understood the ideas that course cutting seems to be the easiest solution for slcc in these hard times. Some classes might just be too expensive to keep running.
All in all, I've had mostly agreeing in my blogs. I'm glad you guys read my opinion and enjoy it.
On the blogging issue:
Both comments agreed with me and my opinion. I assume all the class feels that way, and it is definitely nice to have Fridays off. I like how the one talked about how the teacher could have made this more painstaking and difficult...It's true. (In fact, I think they do it on purpose! Haha.) Blogging is a more relaxed way to do homework. A lot of us were really iffy about it at first, and thought it was one of the weirdest homework requests ever gotten. However, it worked out in the end pretty well.
One course cutting:
Most comments agreed on the concerns of course cutting. They seem nervous about the idea of not being able to get the classes they need for a certian degree. They didn't think it was very fair, and agree with me that the students should be able to decide on that issue. When I mentioned the idea of voting they were for that as well, but also agreed it probably wouldn't ever happen.
However, when I mentioned some of the ideas on the other side of course cutting, people agreed with those views as well. They understood the ideas that course cutting seems to be the easiest solution for slcc in these hard times. Some classes might just be too expensive to keep running.
All in all, I've had mostly agreeing in my blogs. I'm glad you guys read my opinion and enjoy it.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Bennefits of Blogging
At first I thought blogging in class was rather...strange. I'd never done blogging before, and never really had the urge to try. However, I really like blogging for class. I find it a lot more enjoyable than having to write a paper every week.
When your blogging you don't have to worry about structure and organization necessarily. You can just write down your thoughts with freedom. You also don't have to worry about retialiation. No one can see who you are or judge you, they just agree or disagree respectively.
Blogging is also a bit easier than having to do different assignments every week. Since it only has to be 200 words, there isn't much pressure on you to get it done. Sometimes homework can be overwhelming, being long, boring, and and structured. However, blogging is a breeze as well as efficient. I learn a lot reading other people's blogs, and enjoy getting different opinions on certain subjects. It's much easier and works better to write down your opinions and thoughts, than having to read and copy from a book.
The stress free, and compatible learning combination makes blogging a keeper, and I think students in the future will enjoy this way of school.
When your blogging you don't have to worry about structure and organization necessarily. You can just write down your thoughts with freedom. You also don't have to worry about retialiation. No one can see who you are or judge you, they just agree or disagree respectively.
Blogging is also a bit easier than having to do different assignments every week. Since it only has to be 200 words, there isn't much pressure on you to get it done. Sometimes homework can be overwhelming, being long, boring, and and structured. However, blogging is a breeze as well as efficient. I learn a lot reading other people's blogs, and enjoy getting different opinions on certain subjects. It's much easier and works better to write down your opinions and thoughts, than having to read and copy from a book.
The stress free, and compatible learning combination makes blogging a keeper, and I think students in the future will enjoy this way of school.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Trouble With Homework
I began a new subject tempoarily because I was absent from Wednesday's class. But this blog is about homework, and how it can be a real pain.
The reason a lot of my friends refuse to go to college is because they don't want to have to worry about homework anymore. It is a real stress that is constantly floating over your head. Now I know that doing homework gives proof that you can work and accept resposibilty. The reason for education isn't just to learn, but to give proof to your future career bosses that you know how to learn, and how to work and do it on time. However, I think we can easily show our work ethic IN school.
The great thing about a real job is that you go, you work, you leave, and you are done. It is rare that people take work home unless they are behind, or working on something big for the time being. Usually your work is done at work, then you are free to handle the rest of your life afterward.
However, you still have to get up and go to school for several hours, then go home and spend several more hours on homework. Plus work, plus extra activities, family time, and social time... It can be really hard to balance all of that. I'm not trying to complain, but I just really hate having to get up and go to school, and then have to go home and do several hours more of it. It's exhausting.
I think that school would be a lot more welcoming, and less stressful if we did all work in class. We could make classes slightly longer, and all excersises will be done with the teacher. There might be homework if you fall behind, but if you stay caught up then you don't have to worry about doing extra work at home.
Tell me if anyone agrees, or thinks it's an idea that will never happen.
The reason a lot of my friends refuse to go to college is because they don't want to have to worry about homework anymore. It is a real stress that is constantly floating over your head. Now I know that doing homework gives proof that you can work and accept resposibilty. The reason for education isn't just to learn, but to give proof to your future career bosses that you know how to learn, and how to work and do it on time. However, I think we can easily show our work ethic IN school.
The great thing about a real job is that you go, you work, you leave, and you are done. It is rare that people take work home unless they are behind, or working on something big for the time being. Usually your work is done at work, then you are free to handle the rest of your life afterward.
However, you still have to get up and go to school for several hours, then go home and spend several more hours on homework. Plus work, plus extra activities, family time, and social time... It can be really hard to balance all of that. I'm not trying to complain, but I just really hate having to get up and go to school, and then have to go home and do several hours more of it. It's exhausting.
I think that school would be a lot more welcoming, and less stressful if we did all work in class. We could make classes slightly longer, and all excersises will be done with the teacher. There might be homework if you fall behind, but if you stay caught up then you don't have to worry about doing extra work at home.
Tell me if anyone agrees, or thinks it's an idea that will never happen.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Course Cutting - and how it might affect us
In all honesty, I'm the wrong person to be complaining about courses being cut at SLCC. My goal at SLCC is to get generals done, decide where in the world I want to take my life, and then go to a four year college to get a degree in whatever that may be. I don't plan on staying my entire college career, and it is doubtful they will be cutting classes I need. However, I want to help the best I can, but the odds are against the students.
Since the economy has gotten worse, SLCC has suffered and the only way to continue running is to cut expenses. Expenses include teachers, funds, and courses. Cutting courses will make getting a degree in an "unpopular" field will be hard for students who can only go to community college.
I think the best thing to do is leave at least a few available classes in every subject. Maybe students could have a vote on which classes to cut? Or what if the faculty provided us with options on where the students want to pull funds. We could vote on what we think is important and isn't. I doubt it would happen, the it's best we can ask for. More than likely, the administration will decide on the matter.
How does everyone else feel about that?
Since the economy has gotten worse, SLCC has suffered and the only way to continue running is to cut expenses. Expenses include teachers, funds, and courses. Cutting courses will make getting a degree in an "unpopular" field will be hard for students who can only go to community college.
I think the best thing to do is leave at least a few available classes in every subject. Maybe students could have a vote on which classes to cut? Or what if the faculty provided us with options on where the students want to pull funds. We could vote on what we think is important and isn't. I doubt it would happen, the it's best we can ask for. More than likely, the administration will decide on the matter.
How does everyone else feel about that?
Friday, February 6, 2009
Against Course Cutting Solutions
My previous argument in course cutting listed some reasons in favor for it. However, this time I have some solutions for those reasons.
The number one reason I listed, was that it wasn't worth the money. If high priced classes aren't getting the attendance they need, why pay for it at all? But I disagree. I think that every class subject deserves to be taught. Instead of cutting them completely, have less classes with less supplies. The less money they spend, the less they'll need to continue the class. Maybe they could have students share the supplies they need in class. They could also have a special fee for the class. Students who really want the class will probably want to pay the little extra to take it.
The second reason I listed was that it might be hard to find teachers for random subjects here in SLC, like Marine Biology. However, I'm sure there is a way around that. There has got to be someone somewhere in this country specialized in that subject looking for a teaching job. Maybe they could post an ad online. Maybe someone even in Iowa would like to move here and get a new job. It wouldn't be out of SLCC's way, they would just have to set up the interview.
I think course cutting will be hard on a lot of students. I think we should look for as many options as we can to avoid that.
The number one reason I listed, was that it wasn't worth the money. If high priced classes aren't getting the attendance they need, why pay for it at all? But I disagree. I think that every class subject deserves to be taught. Instead of cutting them completely, have less classes with less supplies. The less money they spend, the less they'll need to continue the class. Maybe they could have students share the supplies they need in class. They could also have a special fee for the class. Students who really want the class will probably want to pay the little extra to take it.
The second reason I listed was that it might be hard to find teachers for random subjects here in SLC, like Marine Biology. However, I'm sure there is a way around that. There has got to be someone somewhere in this country specialized in that subject looking for a teaching job. Maybe they could post an ad online. Maybe someone even in Iowa would like to move here and get a new job. It wouldn't be out of SLCC's way, they would just have to set up the interview.
I think course cutting will be hard on a lot of students. I think we should look for as many options as we can to avoid that.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Course Cutting- the other story
The last blog I posted was about how it would be unfair to cut courses. Since we're supposed to take the opposite side of our views this blog, I would like to share the reasons in favor of course cutting at SLCC that I discovered.
The number one reason- it just isn't worth the money. I'm sure there are classes at SLCC that are costing a lot of money to run without the benefit of being a major class and having a high attendance. Maybe the materials needed for the class are costing so much money that to keep it, they would have to up the class price. But we all know how students are these days, the cheaper the better, so these classes just aren't getting the attendance they need. Even if it is a class some students would really enjoy, the school has to choose the classes that are benefitting both sides the most.
Another reason I thought of was that some courses are hard to find teachers for. Like Marine Biology for example. The Marine Biology professor at SLCC is very cool and we're lucky to have her...but how many Marine Biology teachers do you think there are in Salt Lake? My guess is not too many...Maybe if the courses are too hard to find teachers for they might consider letting them go.
Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?
The number one reason- it just isn't worth the money. I'm sure there are classes at SLCC that are costing a lot of money to run without the benefit of being a major class and having a high attendance. Maybe the materials needed for the class are costing so much money that to keep it, they would have to up the class price. But we all know how students are these days, the cheaper the better, so these classes just aren't getting the attendance they need. Even if it is a class some students would really enjoy, the school has to choose the classes that are benefitting both sides the most.
Another reason I thought of was that some courses are hard to find teachers for. Like Marine Biology for example. The Marine Biology professor at SLCC is very cool and we're lucky to have her...but how many Marine Biology teachers do you think there are in Salt Lake? My guess is not too many...Maybe if the courses are too hard to find teachers for they might consider letting them go.
Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Course Cutting
I heard that with recent economic trouble SLCC is deciding to cut many courses out of the school. Although I understand the need to preserve money right now, I do not think that cutting courses is the way to do it.
I have no idea what I'm going to be majoring in just yet, but even still I'm finding it difficult to find classes I'm interested in taking. I understand that's my fault and I need to go out and learn about the other classes but I'm still concerned about what they're removing. What if the courses being cut are the few ones that I would really enjoy? Or what if they're cutting classes that would hurt someone trying to get their major? Would they make sure there are enough classes in every field to get a 4 year degree? I just really don't think this is the way to go.
Instead of cutting courses entirely, they should just leave them down to rare class times. It will be difficult maybe to get into that class, but it would be better than cutting it entirely. Besides, I hope they are only cutting unpopular classes, so hopefully there wouldn't be too much of a problem.
Does anyone else have a concern about this?
I have no idea what I'm going to be majoring in just yet, but even still I'm finding it difficult to find classes I'm interested in taking. I understand that's my fault and I need to go out and learn about the other classes but I'm still concerned about what they're removing. What if the courses being cut are the few ones that I would really enjoy? Or what if they're cutting classes that would hurt someone trying to get their major? Would they make sure there are enough classes in every field to get a 4 year degree? I just really don't think this is the way to go.
Instead of cutting courses entirely, they should just leave them down to rare class times. It will be difficult maybe to get into that class, but it would be better than cutting it entirely. Besides, I hope they are only cutting unpopular classes, so hopefully there wouldn't be too much of a problem.
Does anyone else have a concern about this?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Parking
Every day students are faced with a rather frustrating dilemna. Trying to find a parking spot before class sarts.
The first day of semester I was able to find parking easily. There were several spots available on the side of the campus I needed to be on. However, the next day I couldn't find any parking anywhere on that half of the campus, and ended having to park at the end of the opposite side, thus making me ten minutes late for class. If I had known it was going to be difficult I would've left earlier, but it's always a hit or miss. Empty or full.
Not to mention, those books are heavy! It's silly to mention, but when my backpack is so heavy it's setting off my sealt belt alarm in the front seat of my car, carrying them across campus seems like a daunting idea.
So now that I've complained, I offer a few solutions:
1-Have special parking permits that cost extra for those who want to pay them
2-Maybe motorized transportation around campus? It's a crazy idea but I'm sure a lot of students would enjoy it!
3-A little more student parking and a little less maintenance parking. I'll see empty slots every where every day that could be used to accomodate a few more students
Does anyone have agreements or disagreements or ideas to help the situation?
The first day of semester I was able to find parking easily. There were several spots available on the side of the campus I needed to be on. However, the next day I couldn't find any parking anywhere on that half of the campus, and ended having to park at the end of the opposite side, thus making me ten minutes late for class. If I had known it was going to be difficult I would've left earlier, but it's always a hit or miss. Empty or full.
Not to mention, those books are heavy! It's silly to mention, but when my backpack is so heavy it's setting off my sealt belt alarm in the front seat of my car, carrying them across campus seems like a daunting idea.
So now that I've complained, I offer a few solutions:
1-Have special parking permits that cost extra for those who want to pay them
2-Maybe motorized transportation around campus? It's a crazy idea but I'm sure a lot of students would enjoy it!
3-A little more student parking and a little less maintenance parking. I'll see empty slots every where every day that could be used to accomodate a few more students
Does anyone have agreements or disagreements or ideas to help the situation?
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