by: James Harwell
We can all agree that everyone loves snow days. I also thought student input on campus-wide decisions were important. After the last three days, these thoughts are both completely wrong.
In a span of less than 48 hours, Bellarmine University canceled all classes (Monday) then somehow, after getting word from “students” and faculty members on their ideas about the snow days, switched to online only classes (Tuesday).
Students are angry because on Valentine’s Day we received an email with weather policies and how classes would be handled in case of bad weather. The email gave a rundown on how classes would proceed if Bellarmine decides to have a closure, delay, or early dismissal. What made people angry is at the end of this email, it stated:
“We may revisit these policies in the next academic year to accommodate online classes and remote work during severe weather, but our longstanding inclement weather policies will remain in effect this year for consistency.”
Not even 24 hours later, we get an email from Paul Gore, the vice president for academic affairs and provost, stating: “Based on feedback from [students, faculty, and staff members], we have made a change to how we deliver courses when severe weather requires us to close campus.”
Commuter student Delisha Jackson said, “It doesn’t make sense because the flip floppiness for me is very un-professional.”
After believing what we were first told Sunday to turn around and see opposite actions take place within 48 hours is a great way to lose students’ trust and to add to students’ stress. Almost immediately, a good number of students, including the Student Government Association, sent emails to Paul Gore and other administrators regarding how stupid changing the weather cancelation policy is.
As a commuter, I think Bellarmine needs to understand that some commuters rely on campus WiFi and computers to get our education done. I get that we must email our professors if we don’t have WiFi access at home, but a lot of us may not feel comfortable telling our situation because it may be embarrassing to tell someone we barely know about our private life.
On top of that, there possibly were students who had WiFi and internet problems when the storm first happened, which caused them to be unaware of what was happening and what was expected of them. So how could they possibly figure out a way to email to their professors if weather conditions limited their access to email and the internet?
“There are people I know who live in another state and their WiFi is bad because of the weather, and yes, the email from Gore said to email professors for accommodations, but how the hell are they supposed to email them without any internet?” Jackson said.
If Bellarmine wanted all students’ feedback before making such a big decision, the smart choice would have been to send out a survey or voting poll asking how they feel about changing these polices. Oh wait, I forgot, Bellarmine listened to the health care majors because they get the university the most money. F— the other departments, right?
This is college. The workload will not ease up, especially because it is midterm and the pile-up of work is going to add extra stress to students who must scramble to get makeup work in. These will also be the students who will wonder if their WiFi and service will shut down in the middle of a class or test. I guess those students the administration listened to trust Bellarmine’s WiFi so well.
Also, to get deeper, let us talk about how the response took place. We get a slightly attitude-filled email from Paul Gore speaking on how the decisions were made and that they are final. Compare this to Western Kentucky University’s email to its faculty and staff, which shows concern about how snow days are handled. The WKU email stated:
“…in light of the fact that we aren’t having a spring break, we thought it would be an opportunity to enjoy a couple of well-earned snow days. WKU is closed tomorrow and Tuesday because of the weather. No work. No classes. Instead, build a snow man with your kids. Slide down a hill. Read a good book. Drink Hot Chocolate. Chase your dog around in the snow. Days like this are a gift. Please enjoy!”
Looking at this email and comparing how Bellarmine handled this really makes me, as a future alumnus, feel hurt and embarrassed. This is not something that should be debated at all.
Personally, having to tell my professors that I been using the campus computers and WiFi for the past four years to get good grades is really embarrassing. Bellarmine administrators need to open their minds and consider all options rather than relying on what “a few students” think and look at the bigger picture. They need to remember the Bellarmine Difference.