Gerri Strumpf’s essay, “A required course in Beating the Freshmen Blues,” discusses the challenges that freshmen face in overcoming the anxieties of college. The essay highlights the fact that many freshmen do not successfully complete their college journey and ultimately graduate. The author further explains how these challenges can be overcome by providing support to freshmen, offering irrelevant courses, and reducing classroom sizes.
In the past, colleges excelled in various activities. One of them was offering a semester-long course that aimed to enhance students’ social skills and decrease dropout rates. Although this course successfully promoted social development, it did not positively influence academic performance. This is clear from statistics showing that approximately one-third of college freshmen nationwide do not continue to their second year. Therefore, colleges had to find a more effective way to engage with their students since failing to do so would ultimately impact their financial stability.
Furthermore, he described how the colleges initially did not make any efforts to alleviate the freshmen blues. This was demonstrated by students attending events featuring skits that address racial diversity and sexual health while discouraging drinking. In essence, the colleges focus on promoting sexual health and discouraging drinking, rather than providing substantial assistance for freshmen struggling with the blues.
The colleges are striving to decrease class sizes, with a target of one teacher for every fifty students instead of one teacher for every ninety students. The objective is to enhance the students’ feeling of value and recognition, rather than being just another face in a packed lecture hall. This shift is driven by multiple factors, including financial constraints that prevent universities from losing more students. Moreover, universities have acknowledged that larger colleges often receive criticism for not sufficiently addressing their students’ needs, particularly those who are new. Consequently, steps have been taken to improve the administration of these institutions.
Efforts are being made by colleges to improve the college experience for students and decrease sophomore year attrition. These efforts include organizing fairs and promoting educational seminars. By increasing student involvement in school activities, colleges aim to enhance their chances of success and obtain a better education.
