As the inaugural year of the Commons experience approaches, more and more information is becoming available about what exactly that experience will entail for the Class of 2012. In reviewing this information, the editorial board has some concerns over sheer amount of programming for the freshmen and their separation from main campus.
While the over-arching goal of providing a strong and steady infrastructure under the freshman class from day one is understood and appreciated, too much organized activity may create resentment for the programming and undermine its purpose. This is not to say every college occurrence need be a party, of course, we should just be mindful of what conditions best allow students to appreciate the purpose of The Commons.
Nine days of orientation seems, to the say the least, slightly daunting. Orientation tends to seem longer than it actually is already, likely attributable to the stress of being away from home and the constant introductions. Hopefully, the lengthier orientation will duplicate the friendship and community-building from programs like Squirrel Camp. If the program forces too much upon new students, however, it could become exhausting fairly quickly.
The editorial board is somewhat apprehensive about the overlap between events related to housing and the Visions experience. This overlap seems to invite the possibility of redundancy, or at least perceived redundancy by students.
As well, with Visions taking place on Peabody campus next year for convenience, it may further confine the freshmen class to Peabody. Almost all strong college friendships are formed outside of the classroom, as we all know, many of them through activities on campus people choose to participate in — whether they concern service, faith, athletics, media or many other pursuits. The increase in freshman programming, concentrated on Peabody, could impede freshman involvement in these groups and their integration into campus culture.
Vanderbilt routinely does a fantastic job planning events and programming, and the Commons experience should be no different, so long as students can have a little time to themselves.
