Legacy writer responds to criticism
I would like to take this opportunity to voice my explanation for the misunderstandings that have occurred due to my recent article in the Legacy magazine. “Greek Bus Confessions” was intended to be the first article in a series that poked fun at the after hours activities of many different student populations. The subsequent articles would feature Mardi Gras confessions, Tigerland confessions, road trip confessions, etc. I stand by my reporting in that everything printed was a quote from an actual student. The only mistake that was made was perhaps the timing of the article.
I am a proponent of the Greek community. Many readers missed the fact that I am Greek. I know what Greek life is like, and I am glad to be a part of such a great community. In no way did I intend to compromise the standards set by the Greeks on this campus. I realize the great strides Greeks make for LSU and its surrounding community. In hindsight, I regret offending anyone with my article, but I stand by my work.
Tim Basilica
Legacy Writer
TOPS students should stay in state
In response to the recent idea that TOPS scholars should stay in Louisiana, I would like to express my own thoughts as a student. I think students accepting TOPS from Louisiana should have to work in the state for an expressed period of time.
Louisiana is giving out an average of $2,000 a semester as a four-year tuition scholarship to qualified students per year. The purpose of this whole situation is to educate more of Louisiana’s students while preparing them to work in the state, which is better for our economy. The spending of money would be pointless if all those receiving money from TOPS left the state.
There might be complaints on the specific period of time that one will have to work in Louisiana and also a big factor in which everyone weighs their opinions. How long is too long? There is already a program that is set up for students learning to be teachers in the TOPS system. If students wish to become teachers, they can choose to receive an additional $800 per semester, but only if they stay in Louisiana to teach for two years. This amount of time seems fair, unlike an absurd time period such as a decade or life commitment. However, this only applies to students majoring in education.
Many students have career dreams that exceed Louisiana’s boundaries, like governmental or worldwide businesses. These students still owe something back to the state. A suggestion might include setting up volunteer systems, like peace corps, for individuals who accept the funds to pay back Louisiana in some way.
I think it is only fair that Louisiana decides to change the TOPS program, making students work in the state for a period of time that students entering into the program have agreed upon. If students have a problem with these demands, it will be their decision not to take the scholarship.
Brittany Lynne Allen
Sophomore — Pre Interior Design
Inadequate parking now a safety issue
I know the issue of inadequate parking spaces on LSU’s campus frequently has been debated, but I have newly developed feelings on the subject due to an incidence from last week. Since the last kidnapping has occurred, I have been trying to be extra careful, so when I needed to meet a friend to study at night farther away on campus, I decided to drive. When I reached my destination, however, no parking spots were available. I ended up having to park about five minutes away anyway. I might as well have walked the extra five or 10 minutes from my dorm.
The point I am trying to get across is this — adding parking spaces on campus can no longer be considered an issue of money or the physical appearance of the campus, but one of safety. I really do not care how new measures would affect how the campus looks, as long as they would make me feel safe. With all that has been happening lately, I would like to know that LSU has utmost concern for my safety and that of all LSU students as well.
Caroline Domecq
Freshman — Mass Communication
Art majors carry heavy courseloads
I don’t read The Reveille often, but it caught my attention last Thursday. Wow — next time you compare majors do research! The article, “Students feel TOPS standards unfair to some” offended many. I am a studio art major with a concentration in graphic design. When comments implied my major was easy, I was livid.
You can’t walk into the graphic design program. You have to apply with an impressive portfolio compiled by strict requirements and have a high GPA. Several apply for years to no avail. With 132 credits required to graduate (231 total in-class hours), most students need more than four years to finish.
Studio classes are six hours a week, but count for three credits. With four studios, a lecture class and a Saturday studio, I am physically in class 30 hours. Common knowledge states every hour spent in class equals three in outside work. Hypothetically speaking, that would equate to 90 hours of outside work, weekly. With the addition of in-class time, that’s up to 120 hours. With 168 hours in a week, that leaves me with 48 personal hours. With bills for steep art supplies, including mandatory laptop, I’m forced to spend 30 of those hours working. This provides me with as little as 2.5 hours a night for my beauty rest.
“Some majors require a lot more outside knowledge that may not come as naturally as a talent like art.” Natural talent only gets you so far. Every project requires research. Also, knowledge of design elements and techniques does not come naturally.
I do not think TOPS standards should be altered. I earned the award and continue to make the GPA to keep it. Perhaps spend time looking into the life of art majors and see how they feel. I can’t say that my major is the most difficult, but I can say it is a challenge. Try spending a week in my shoes — then decide.
Christin Clement
Junior — Graphic Design