College - U. Got It?

Dorm Rooms and Test Grades

February 15th, 2008

Everyone knows that moving into a college dorm means freedom. It’s basically a time to do what you want according to your own rules (that don’t conflict with your RA, of course) and stay out as late as you want. But all of this partying can really hurt the main reason you’re at college - it can bring down your grades and hurt your chances of furthering your education.

Recently, there was an article in the Times about how SUNY Old Westbury requires students to maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to remain in student housing. It’s been controversial around campus because those that have dropped their GPAs have recently been kicked out of housing and forced to commute, making it easier for them to drop out of school entirely.

In a way, it’s unfair to not be able to have a chance to prove yourself and bring your GPA up. It would make more sense if there were a policy in place to give students some sort of warning, even though they are already aware of the policy. On the other hand, a student is in school to study and not to party. Although this may not seem like the real reason to the students, parents are not paying for their kids to party all the time - they’re paying for their kids’ education.

Every situation is different. Someone may just have a bad semester. Others may be slacking off. But rules are rules, and excuses can only go so far. That’s certainly evident at SUNY Old Westbury. College survival may be tough, but it’s certainly not impossible. So take advantage of the fact that you’re off at college and in a dorm room and consider yourself lucky. There are lots of people out there who don’t get the chance to do any of that so don’t mess it up!

-Amanda Fornecker

Entry Filed under: College Dorms, General