Activity fee inquiries
Before anyone votes YES for an activity fee (TAX) increase there should be a critical look at how much of the student activity fee goes to WMPG and how much of that money actually goes to the benefit of students of USM.
Another area to look at is the salaried staff paid for by the activity fee. An honest comparison to job requirements vs. salary is in order before students are asked to reach farther into their own pockets.
Erik Reynolds
Alumni 1998
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C- is for Chemistry
I am required to take a two credit basic fundamentals of chemistry class as a prerequisite for Chemistry 105, which I need for my nursing major. In order to advance from this class into Chemistry 105 a grade of C- or higher is required. So, it’s mid-semester and despite my best efforts, I find myself with a D in the class. I feel I know the material and deserve a higher grade. My frustrations are shared by many of the students in the class. In fact, the class was asked how many students got an 80 or better on the last exam and out of approximately 80 students only three admitted to a grade of 80 or better. That’s an alarmingly low number. What’s even more alarming is that when I asked the professor how many students in past classes received the required C- needed to advance, he answered about 50 percent. I was completely appalled by this number.
After class I thought about the numbers involved in this scenario. 80 students sign up for chemistry and 40 get below a C- and have to do a retake. The cost for the class and textbook is approximately $450. My best estimate is each retake generates $18,000 in new revenue for the University. I’m not sure what the University is doing for the students in this situation, but at $18,000/class, I don’t think anyone is in a big hurry.
I’ve discussed this problem with the provost, my academic adviser, and the professor, and I am not getting any resolution. I am being told the Nursing Department is aware that many students are struggling with this class, but have yet to make any changes. In addition, I know these changes are fairly recent, as students graduating this year from USM with a BSN were only required to have one semester of chemistry, specifically geared towards the healthcare profession. So why can’t the program return to the older format?
As a consumer, I am extremely frustrated. I did not get what I paid for out of this class and I feel as though the school’s nonchalant behavior regarding the failure rate of this class is borderline criminal. So my questions are: Who is the voice of the students in this situation? Is there anyone at this University who is putting action into changing this situation? Does anyone at USM even care?
Erin Pierce
Nursing Student