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As a student from Mesa State College, I was taken aback by the comments of letter writer Jim Foster in the Sept. 1 issue of The Daily Sentinel. The community may be wondering why we had classes on Labor Day.
The state requires a certain amount of time for each class to convene to meet state standards. The school must abide by these rules. At Mesa State we are given a fall break, a four-day weekend to relieve the natural stresses of school. If we missed classes on Labor Day, we would not be allowed our fall break. The students recognized that and exchanged having classes on Labor Day in order to have a fall break in October.
I cannot speak for all students, but I would much rather have a break half way through the semester than go an entire three months until Thanksgiving without a day off.
Unlike Jim Foster’s statements, this was not “punishment” to students, it was a decision decided by a joint student and staff panel. It does not “generate more revenue” as Jim Foster accused, especially considering Mesa State prides itself on its affordability.
As for President Tim Foster, he was diligent in providing an explanation as to why we had class in a mass email to all students. I thank him for his explanation and his support of the idea that was favored by the students and staff. I would also urge Jim Foster to not pass judgment on the feelings of Mesa State students without understanding the background to the decision.
I fully support the decision, and I promise that other students will as well when we are sleeping in and relaxing in October, giving us a break from our “labors” as students, which is what Labor Day is really all about.
JAKE JOBE
Mesa State Student
Grand Junction
13 Responses to “Students were consulted about MSC classes on Labor Day”
Posted September 3rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
This student states, “At Mesa State we are given a fall break, a four-day weekend to relieve the natural stresses of school.”
Who is guy trying to kid, “the natural stresses of school?”
For goodness sakes, this is Mesa State, not a “real” school of higher education.
This is a “college” that until a few years ago required only a high school diploma and a tuition check from mom and dad that cleared the bank as qualifications to become a student.
Let’s face it, we’re not talking about a school with anything even remotely resembling rigorous academic standards.
“Natural stresses of school” indeed - give me a break!
Posted September 3rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Maybe he means trying to cross Twelfth at rush hour.
Posted September 3rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Left unsaid in the letter from this MSC student is that the “explanation” from Mr. Tim Foster was no explanation at all. The Fall 2008 schedule would have had exactly the same amount of contact hours as the Fall 2007 schedule. By removing the Labor Day holiday from 2008, Mr. Tim Foster demonstrated his micro-managing skills and added two days to the semester for the next three years.
Previously, Mr. Tim Foster has changed the length of the winter/Christmas break, delayed the end of the spring semester, and now he’s removed the Labor Day holiday. All of these changes have made it more difficult for students to get and keep summer jobs and to make the transition back to school in the fall.
What is up with all these little power plays? Any ideas?
‘
As for why some feel the need to disparage MSC, it has all the appearances of insecurity and a need to feel superior. (Full disclosure: I am not a student, graduate, or employee of MSC)
Posted September 3rd, 2008 at 4:49 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Bruce86 - The only reason I “disparaged” our hallowed local college is because of its periodic attempts to portray itself as something it’s not.
Let’s face it, MSC performs two basic functions: It’s a “feeder” school where academically deficient students can come for a year or two in an attempt to qualify to get into a “real” university (or college) on the Front Range, or prepare academically mediocre students for generally unremarkable careers.
I’m not saying that’s bad, just realistic.
Posted September 3rd, 2008 at 8:37 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
GJB, Ya know I like you, except when you are being an insufferable snob.
“Unremarkable” careers?
A career by nature is unremarkable. It is simply our anthill activity.
When we appreciate a sunset, or make love, or tend a garden, or hug a child, or whisper with a horse, or any number of truly joyful things in life, THAT is remarkable. And it is every person’s for the taking, every day. No matter the IQ or earning potential.
Higher learning is great, but it doesn’t necessarily make a person more interesting or “less mediocre.” In fact it often turns a person into an incredible bore.
Posted September 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
It has been known to happen.
Posted September 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Yes Ash, dc is living proof.
Posted September 3rd, 2008 at 9:56 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Ash - You said, “When we appreciate a sunset, or make love, or tend a garden, or hug a child, or whisper with a horse, or any number of truly joyful things in life, THAT is remarkable. And it is every person’s for the taking, every day. No matter the IQ or earning potential.”
You are absolutely correct!!
You also said, “Higher learning is great, but it doesn’t necessarily make a person more interesting or “less mediocre.” In fact it often turns a person into an incredible bore.”
You are also totally correct. I am a perfect example! (smile)
Posted September 4th, 2008 at 8:23 am Login to Send PM Report this comment
GJB, I don’t find you (or dc!) to be bores in the slightest. But then again I don’t know you that well.
Posted September 4th, 2008 at 8:33 am Login to Send PM Report this comment
Here are some of the unremarkable careers that you must be talking about: President of Citicorp, Colorado Supreme Court Justice, State Senator, President of Adams State College, Head Baseball Coach for the University of Iowa.
There are Mesa State College alumni educating my child, leading the city and county where I live, providing jobs in my community, and some are at home raising their families. The Grand Valley and Colorado would be a considerably less remarkable place to call home without Mesa State College and all of its alumni.
For full disclosure I am a proud alumnus and employee of Mesa State College!
Rick Adleman, ‘90 & ‘06
Director of Alumni Relations
Posted September 4th, 2008 at 9:00 am Login to Send PM Report this comment
RickAdleman - What you fail to mention is that all of the alums you cite went on to other schools to finish their education after attending MSC.
The list of “illustrious” MSC alums represent only a tiny fraction of one percent of those who have attended and/or graduated from your school.
Posted September 4th, 2008 at 9:12 am Login to Send PM Report this comment
Good point Rick Adleman! MSC needs to be defended in this case. I wonder abuot the caliber of any school whose graduates go on to sneer about what they perceive as “lesser” schools.
I am being more philosophical of course about one’s “career” … I do think a career can be remarkable if one goes about it with their humanity out front.
For example Jonas Salk had a remarkable career. The world famous Beverly Hills plastic surgeon does not (unless he also does pro bono work).
Along the same lines the coach at the little school down the street who teaches and encourages kids each night until the light is gone has a remarkable career; while the famous university coach who screams, throws things, and berates players every day, does not.
IMO.
Posted September 4th, 2008 at 9:27 am Login to Send PM Report this comment
Ah GJBubba, this confirms that you are indeed Proteus and Sugarfoot reincarnated! Your ability to sit back and criticize yet offer the community NOTHING is indicative of many of your type who live here or move here with their degrees from the exalted institutions of higher education. You enjoy the beautiful surroundings and what western Colorado has to offer, but offer nothing back except contempt for the very people who strive to make Grand Junction a great place to live. But alas, the excellent teachers and students at Mesa State will continue to excel and support your right criticize, as your opinions, like anyone on this blog (including myself) have no merit. The opinions worthy of merit are from the people actually out there doing something.
I have known many people with degrees from many institutions ranging from community colleges to the “Ivy League” schools. To a “T”, I would much rather hang out with people who have degrees from community colleges and smaller colleges/universities. They are much nicer people who do not have an over-inflated ego, much like the people on this forum who possess degrees from the “real” schools of higher education to which you refer. I often read these postings for entertainment and it always strikes me how many people who have degrees from “real” schools consistently post to this website. I would think that these people would possess the intelligence to realize that their “degrees” and experience would be put to much better use helping people in the community rather than sitting at their computer criticizing. Perhaps this is what is taught at the “real” schools of higher education? Generally, people with these credentials wouldn’t bother with a blog such as this as it would be beneath them. Caring, intelligent people are the ones volunteering in the schools helping students with their reading, or down at the science center mentoring students. The reading is entertaining, however!
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