My Aunt Susie always described college as the “One time everything is centered around you.” And no, it’s not a selfish statement.
Whenever I recounted my experiences reporting on campus speakers for The Knight over summer break last year, she tried to reassure me by saying she always went to campus events because Edinboro made sure they were student-centered when she was there.
I’ve been to a fair share of speakers this year, too. All of them were student-oriented, but I wouldn’t say all of them were absolutely applicable to my interests.
That’s not what she meant, of course. She was saying that college events cater to a specific demographic – students – and that’s the last period of life these things happen.
After four years of “featured speakers,” “lecture series,” and “discussion panels,” the only talks I suppose I’ll be attending are training seminars or city council meetings. So I appreciate having the chance to attend these talks at Gannon.
One of the “talks” I’ve never been able to attend is Campus Ministry’s Theology on Tap. Some of the campus ministers get together with students and discuss theological concepts over drinks, which is definitely my speed.
Unfortunately, it’s always held on a Tuesday night. My Tuesday nights are pretty much booked at The Knight. Although I’m writing this on a Sunday, I can tell you right now I will be at The Knight Office until after last call at the bars.
So even if I wanted to go after work, I would still be too late. Let me be clear, I never expect special treatment because I chose to spend my time at the newspaper.
I just wonder if the turnout for some of these events would be better if they weren’t on weeknights. Even a “later” weeknight like Thursday might accommodate other busy students.
Most students are swamped Monday and Tuesday night, especially if they chose to relax over the weekend. The majority of my assignments are due later in the week, so I spend any free time in the beginning of the week to work on them.
I don’t know if that holds true for all other majors, but most of my lab reports were due in the latter half of the week when I was studying science. My roommate in the nursing program has to turn in hospital care plans Friday morning, and you don’t often hear of tests being held on a Monday.
I suppose there are benefits to holding events earlier in the week. Students aren’t as stressed out before the whirlwind of papers and assignments hits them with Friday due dates.
Maybe the university sees students as being more focused at the beginning of the week, when they’re not trying to map out their weekend plans. But I can’t help but feel I’m not the only student whose schedule conflicts with Tuesday night programs.
Some people have evening lab classes or night classes that last well into the evening. I can’t imagine wanting to listen to a speaker after getting out of a night chemistry lab or an evening business class. You’d be exhausted.
If you’re planning an early week event, reconsider the students like me who would be more apt to go at the end of the week. You just might get media coverage if you plan it on a Wednesday or Thursday.
KELSEY GHERING
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