Dear Editor,
This is in response to “Stop taking up space please.” The author contradicts herself. She asks that we not take classes outside of our major, and yet asserts that college is about learning new subjects and broadening our horizons. Which is it? I’d have to say the latter.
The author also highlights something that I see as a problem
with universities in general. She states that many history majors sacrifice income potential
to study a subject they love. Why is college today seen primarily
as a way to increase your potential income rather than a way to increase your knowledge and also improve yourself? I find that to be a disturbing and unfortunate reality.
For those students wishing to take upper division courses in subjects outside of their majors because of a genuine desire to learn, I would say please take up space. She complains about not having room for her required classes and that they fill up too quickly. This is something that we all have experienced – it isn’t a problem limited to the history department.
The biology department has implemented a simple solution to that very problem. A student must be permitted into any upper-level course by an advisor.
If you speak to your advisor
early, you will secure spots in the courses you want to take. It is a very simple, easy solution to a common problem.
Of course this excludes many non-major students from taking
high-level classes. However, I have found that if you speak with a professor and express a genuine desire to learn, then they are more than likely willing
to accommodate you in some way.
– Joanna Magner

Author