On Aug. 31 a group of 14 students from the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, attempted to redress a multitude of issues they have been confronted with while attempting to navigate the University’s new waitlist process.
While they were adamant in their demands for a resolution, the school was unable to address their concerns about the fairness or organization of who gets bumped into open classes.
“We need something to be done basically, and we’re tired of doing this every semester. I’ve been trying to [add] this class for three semesters. It’s holding me back. I want to graduate already,” said Simone Braithwaite, who was one of the students that attempted to speak to the dean at Mike Curb College.
Her frustration was evident, as was the frustration of her fellow classmates who had previously left a full class of Journalism 315 where there were no seats available. Not immediately clear is what the solution is for these students.
Associate Dean Dan Hoskens attempted to assuage the group of students, but his words were sobering.
“Right now we can’t be sure that we’re even going to be able to add a given class,” said Hoskens, “I’m not going to run on the phone and say, ‘Add these classes!’ We’re going to have a conversation about how we can solve the problem short-term and going forward.”
Students were also questioning the perceived lack of concern from administrative officials.
“It seems like only our professors are concerned about it, really, no one else is doing anything,” said Lena Nasiri, who is majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Nasiri also pointed out her particular experience with the new waitlist system.
“(The waitlist) started at 12 a.m. I registered, I was number 13, and for one month I never moved up. So, that’s a joke. So, what is the point?” said Nasiri.
Hannah Townsley, another broadcast journalist, summed up the feeling of the entire group when it comes to the waitlist.
“That’s not working,” Townsley said. “Other majors who are minors in Journalism are taking these classes.”
