Correct me if I’m wrong, but most of us pay thousands of dollars a semester to attend this college, don’t we? Therefore, ETSU runs like a business, right? And businesses thrive on customer service, correct?
So where in this university does it imply that “the customer is always right?”
Lately instead of a paying customer, I feel like a warden of the state.
First, a certain philosophy professor told my entire class this week that he has lied to us on two occasions just to see if we were paying attention. I’m sorry, but I pay him to teach me how to recognize arguments, not to test my listening ability. I trust him to help me succeed in my quest for knowledge and he has betrayed my trust. I shouldn’t have to double check his lectures.
Second, I also pay the ETSU Public Safety officers. Where are they when my things are stolen out of my car? They sure as hell don’t miss it when I park in the wrong spot. Why do they not pay more attention to suspicious people? How could you miss someone with a crowbar or other entry device prying open a brand new vehicle?
Third, I pay for the heating and cooling in the classrooms. Why do I feel the need to change my wardrobe to suit each class I attend? It should be set on a moderate temperature. We all know that if you leave the thermostat on one temperature, your electric bill is going to be less costly.
Fourthly, the attendance policy is really unnecessary for many of my classes. With the new technology we have, why not let me e-mail my assignments if I miss a day instead of further insulting my intelligence by knocking my grade down. I miss a few classes every semester, but do you know how hard it is to get up at 6 a.m., get ready, and drive 30 minutes after you have worked until four in the morning?
I think many teachers forget that I came to college so that I don’t have to be a bartender for the rest of my life. But until I get a degree I must have food, clothing and shelter. The only way I can have those things and still have plenty of time to study is to work until the wee hours of the morning. I pay for this education and I’m not going to waste $1,500. If I wanted to do that I would own half of the new fall clothes in Proffitt’s.
Furthermore, I am sick of being told to go to two different places when I need some info on my financial aid. I go into the office and I am told to go upstairs, but when I get there I am directed right back to where I came. That makes me irate!
I also have issues with ETSU’s parking system. Why not let the “customers” park right in front of the buildings? I know that professors pay $50 for their spaces, but most likely their cars are in the same spots all day. Mine is moved all over campus because I am a commuting student. With the exception of handicapped spots, why not just abolish special spaces and let everyone have a shot at the best spots? I know many professors who need just as much exercise as I do. After all, I did pay for a Center for Physical Activity, and really could have used the money for other things. People need to start wearing that place out!
Next, when did Apple computers come back on the market? They are complicated pieces of technology that crash often. Plus, everyone I know, including myself, has a Dell. Why not just spend a little more money and get us some computers in the Warf-Pickel labs that are useable? I’m not buying a Zip disk because I would only use it in class, and I do most of my writing on my Dell at home. Dude, I wish ETSU was getting some Dells.
I just think someone should consider what a hassle they cause us sometimes. I didn’t have to choose this university. Money talks. It is definitely time for ETSU to start listening.

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