The Cost of Sleep Deprivation

Cessie Ryder

Sleep deprivation is a common problem among college students. College freshman are now on their own without their parents telling them what to do or when to do it. They tend to take advantage of this freedom and go to bed whenever they want to, especially since they do not necessarily have to wake up early everyday. College consists of a new, unstructured schedule that is very different from the 8 am to 3 pm controlled schedule most people were used to in high school and elementary school. College students tend to stay up much later, maybe finishing up some homework or hanging out with friends, because their classes might not start until midday. The college social scene is also a breeding ground for sleep deprivation. On weekends, people usually do not go out until around 10 pm so they tend to stay out later, sometimes not getting home until 3 or 4 in the morning.

Sleep deprivation results in many negative short and long-term effects to one’s life. Lack of sleep causes one’s mind to have trouble focusing, therefore making it hard for one to study properly and effectively. Without effective study habits it is hard to maintain a high GPA in college. Not only can sleep deprivation affect one’s studies, it also affects one’s personality and health. Inadequate sleep results in mood swings or changes and weakens the immune system allowing for increased illness.

There is no alternative for sleep. Many college students tend to rely on caffeine from coffee or energy drinks to keep them awake when they are not getting enough sleep, but no matter how much caffeine one drinks it still does substitute for actual sleep. Naps are a good way to get some extra sleep in during the day and are easy to fit into one’s schedule in college because of the extra free time between classes. But, ultimately, college students need to realize the best solution for sleep deprivation is going to bed on time and getting enough sleep so they can get good grades and stay healthy.

Dress Codes

Ajit Vakharia

When students enter college, they enter a whole new world different from what they have been used to in high school. One main difference is the dress code. In many high schools, strict dress codes were mandatory for all students which include no low cut shirts, tank tops, shorts more than six inches above a lady’s knee, and no undergarments showing; while men were not allowed to “sag,” wear hats, shirts that relate to drugs, alcohol, or profanity. In college, students are allowed to wear whatever they want, as long as they have clothes on. There is no censorship, or certain amount of coverage a student needs when it comes to their clothes . Walk into any college classroom, a lot of girls will be wearing “daisy dukes” while a lot of guys will be wearing something offensive on their t-shirts. Should this be allowed? College students are seen as adults and capable of being allowed to wear whatever they may please, but it would not be a bad idea to implement a once a week “dress for success” day for upper level students as they begin to get ready for the work force in the “real world.” Dress for success includes wearing collared shirts and khakis for men and business clothes for women. This allows college students about to enter the workforce, become more motivated in their schoolwork and look good. Some argue that college is a center for higher education and should be treated with more respect such as an employee would do in the workplace, but college is also a home where students should not be forced to dress in a way they would not want to. College is also a time where students are still learning who they are and want to express themselves in different forms, and one way in doing so is through fashion. At Liberty University for instance, students to wear flip-flops, sandals, capri pants, and "neat" jeans to class and can also wear "modest" shorts in the dining hall and, after 4:30 pm. Dress codes need to be implemented on college campuses that are not as strict as most high school but enough to show respect to professors, classmates, and the school.

Are Colleges Responsible or Allowed to Protect Students Over the Internet?

Joel Kirby

In the digital world we live in, the internet has become an essential part of the education process for both college students and their professors. Email is a primary means of communication between teacher and student, and online books are common. The internet has also become a social outlet for many students, with networking sites like facebook and twitter becoming very popular. Unfortunately, gossip around campus is making its way on the internet, and personal attacks and defamatory remarks are not that uncommon on sites like “College Anonymous Confession Board” and “Campus Gossip”. Although students can post anonymously on such sites, many question whether college officials are “given the right” to censure such sites on their campus, or take action on reported cases of harassment. However, “online” defamatory remarks cannot be treated the same as “offline” defamatory remarks because the internet is accessible anywhere. Colleges should not try to referee or censor such online sites. Instead, Colleges should assist any student reporting harassment, and of course investigate into any physical threats made on such sites.

The issue colleges face nowadays in a cyber world is whether they have the same rights and responsibilities over students as a legal guardian does. The term “in loco parentis”, in regards to a college, refers to an institution basically assuming the role of a parent over its students. The nature of the governing relationship between college and student is, and has always been, debatable. The site “Juicy Campus”, arguably the most notorious “college gossip site”, was one of the first sites to present colleges with this predicament. While in operation, it allowed anyone to anonymously post comments on its site, had comments specific to particular institutions, and was a means of making personal attacks and liable comments about students. One of the first reactions of colleges was to restrict this site’s access. However, this was neither appropriate nor practical. Restricting access to a site may annoy students, but would not prevent students from accessing the site from their own apartment or the local Starbucks. Colleges cannot feasibly control students’ internet browsing, and should instead try to familiarize and educate students on the internet and its positive relationship with education.

A New Teaching Method: No Technology?

Jinhyun Kim

Technology has become very beneficial in education in aspect of both teaching and learning. The form and method have been changing over time, and they are getting better and better in purpose of making people's lives better. Nevertheless, some teachers are against this idea, and they suggest to remove technology in class. Not because of technology is harmful, but because it is not very effective in catching students' attention and keeping them interested. According to the article "When Computers Leave Classrooms, So Does Boredom" by Jeffrey R. Young in The Chronicle of Higher Education, a survey was conducted among college students, and they responded, PowerPoint presentation was "one of the dullest methods they saw". Also, they answered negatively in all computer-assisted activities, indicating less technology, less boredom in class.

However, I have a different point of view in this suggestion of no-tech teaching method. What if it is not the technology that bores students? What if teachers don't know how to utilize effectively to teach students? Technology develops faster and faster everyday. It is not easy to stay on top of all of the technology that come out new even for younger generation like current college students. Many college professors who have just been familiarized with technology might have some difficulty using the full power of new means in their teaching. If teachers use technology merely as a replacement of old method, there is not much of merit in using technology, and it will still bore the students. Teachers who are skilled in technology and using it effectively will see why people develop technology and use it in education.

As students are back to colleges, the swine flu enters the campus.

Subin Lee1

While the outbreak of swine flu or H1N1 virus is a serious concern in all over the world, the students are back to the campus. The huge population living in the campus is not easy for health administrations to take care of. The members of colleges are not only from the one specific region like that of high schools, but they are all from the different streets, cities, states, countries and even continents.

photo: Swine flu rises at US colleges as students return

According to the news article “Swine flu: H1N1 flu on rise on college campuses”, Georgia Institute of Technology has about 150 suspected students of swine flu. The school just started two weeks ago, and as the major characteristic of the swine flu show, the virus is spreading every minute throughout the campus. The University of Kansas is also having same problem, having 200 reported students for flulike symptoms.The problem does not stop here. The health administrators have sent emails to all faculties and students in the campus to inform the situation and sending guidelines to decrease the rise of swine flu. However, as the student in Georgia Tech, I do not want to miss classes for low fever or cough, because it is hard for me to catch up the classes again. It does not only refer to me, but also the most of the tech students.

“Centers of Disease Control and Prevention” published the guidance for Institutions of High Education. However I believe each health administrations of the Institutions should take more realistic, well-informed, and appropriate guidelines that fits to that particular institution. Because each institution have different situation such as facilities, characteristics of students, and purpose of the institution, the administrators should consider which way is the most effective for that institution. Ultimately, the school should take more decisive action to deal with swine flu.

A College Education: Is it really for everyone?

Cherish Weiler

America has always been considered the land of opportunity, a place where any person can receive an education and succeed. Today, society practically expects young adults to go to college. As Thomas Reeves reports, “Going to college has become a national fad, a rite of passage” that directly correlates to success in the real world. Many assume a college education is necessary and should be available to everyone. However, the reality is that not everyone should go to college. While education is important and everyone should be given the opportunity to attend an institute of higher learning, not everyone should attend college.

Several policy experts at the Urban Institute claim that everyone should go to college because “college [has been] redefined to mean postsecondary education and training in academics, a trade, or a set of skills that would make someone employable.” However, as the push for a college education increases, more experts are starting to criticize this popular notion. Economist Lerman explains that for many students the key to getting a job is training and experience and not necessarily the academic skills learned in college. Similarly, economic lecturer Michael Rizzo questions “whether securing more higher education… is the best way to achieve certain goals” such as increase economic output and efficiency.

An estimated 50% of students never graduate with a college diploma. The truth of the matter is there are people in college who should not be there. There are students who are not prepared for the academic and financial responsibilities of college, who are not motivated to succeed, and who are not suited to the style of learning college offers. Additionally, many students lack the maturity level required to be successful in college. While the opportunity to attend an institute of higher learning should be available to everyone, college attendance is a personal decision and should be decided on a case by case basis instead of being viewed as a necessity.

College: A Breeding Ground for Stress?

Cessie Ryder

For freshman, college is a place with all new things to be stressed out about because of the totally new environment it encompasses. Having a certain amount of stress can be good for you but chronic stress can affect you negatively. College freshman are thrown into coping with a completely different and more complicated academic schedule than high school along with a new social environment and all new people they have to meet and adjust to. Both of these aspects of college can cause freshman stress.

There are two types of stress, Eustress and Distress. Eustress is positive stress that challenges and motivates you to grow and perform well. Distress is negative stress that depletes energy and causes a decline in performance. Everybody needs some Eustress in their lives for the stimulation to be active, but Distress, on the other hand, is the kind of stress that we do not necessarily need or want. College students experience both types of stress.

Adjusting to a new environment, like college, can be a stressful experience, but this type of stress is good for you and creates positive results. In college you are away from your parents and have to learn to be independent when it comes to laundry, meals, time management, and other responsibilities. You now have to make decisions for yourself and hope they are the good, right decisions. Being on your own for the first time can be stressful, but it is a kind of Eustress that makes you a stronger, more self-sufficient person.

Not only do college students experience Eustress when adjusting to their new surroundings, but they are also exposed to large amounts of Distress. Distress is very common in college. It is usually associated with academics and stems from procrastination and poor time management skills when it comes to studying and completing tests, homework and projects. Chronic distress is very bad for you and takes a toll on you mentally and physically. Intervention, like better time management, more sleep, exercise, and relaxation, is needed to restore the mind and body if chronic stress occurs.