So far this year, we have used this space to discuss all kinds of shortages on campus: beds, faculty salaries, communication, and representation. Today we are discussing thesis carrels. Guess what: they’re coming up short.
A carrel shortage might seem like a minor problem when compared to those previously mentioned. But we are not concerned with comparison. Instead, we are tired of addition.
How can so many groups at a “liberal arts college” be frustrated by faceless bureaucracy? Was the decision to temporarily eliminate the eight carrels in the science library because of renovations made by somebody who understood the consequences? Eight thesis writers want to know.
Writing a thesis without the aid of a carrel presents logistical problems for the student, and adds unnecessary stress. Storing and carrying books are difficult enough without a carrel, but is the stay-at-home thesis writer really supposed to work through the weekly Project Runway parties his or her housemates throw? We work on a college campus, but we also live here. Sometimes those dueling priorities make finding quiet spaces a challenge.
We understand that this year’s shortages were unforeseen, and most likely a fluke (does this problem sound familiar, ResLife?). On average, 35 students a year, or about 25% of thesis writers, go without a designated thesis space. We call on the school to provide for these students in the future.
Once again, shortages discussed in this space inspire a reevaluation of priorities. Thesis writers are the University’s top students, the kinds of students the University professes to want more of. Do top students here not pull any influence? Why should a quarter of these students be short-changed? This commitment to the University’s academic standing should be reciprocated, not waitlisted. To put it bluntly, those ambitious students that find themselves on the waitlist this year are probably screwed. Is that right?
We suggest the University strive to provide a carrel space, single or group, to every thesis writer, and we call on Academic Departments to seek alternative spaces for thesis-writing majors. Come next year, perhaps the soon-to-be-empty Davenport Campus Center could hold a few. Meanwhile, we are considering writing a thesis on shortages.
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