As a college student begins their freshman year, it can be a huge adjustment.  There is a ton of new information to absorb, like where the library is located, how to get your student id card, bus schedules, dorm rules and regulations, how not to get STD’s and so much else.  And on top of learning the ropes there is a high expectation to keep up in your classes with school work, papers and reading.  When the stress becomes too much to bear some students turn to unethical means to get help in academic areas.  Paying for a service to write a college essay may be tempting but if caught it will ruin your academic standing and derail your long-term plans.  School penalties for plagiarism vary but all academic facilities take plagiarism very seriously.  Using someone else’s work and passing it off as yours is considered cheating by schools.  Some people like the author of the article, “Is it Ethical to Buy Essays?” completely disagree and state that, “There is nothing unethical when a student seeks for academic assistance by choosing to buy essays.”  The author then goes on to say that it is legal as long as the material contained is not plagiarized.  From a moral standpoint, unless you are going to turn in the paper giving credit to the hired service, and instead put your name on it, it’s dishonest.  Some of the reasons college students pay for college papers, laziness, arrogance, fear or ignorance.  There are plenty of times that students “do” get away with it, but it’s risky.  College professors and their assistance have been around the block, they have read so many papers throughout their career that if one raises suspicion, you can bet they will look into it.  Most professors will tell you that it doesn’t take an fbi agent to spot when a paper is plagiarized and if you can’t back up your sources then the consequences are ugly.

1.  Don’t Procrastinate

Cramming for a test may have worked in High School but in college professors move through material at a much faster rate, and expect students to keep up with the assigned reading and studying.  Procrastinating course work means that catching up may be a lost cause.  Also, register for classes early.  Don’t wait until the last minute, when the only classes available are the ones that start at the break of dawn on Monday mornings or the classes you need to complete course requirements are full and no longer available.

2.  Energy Drinks and Ramen Noodles Are Not a Balanced Meal

These popular college student staples do not provide healthy sustenance.  Energy drinks may give a quick energy boost but it is short lived and may cause insomnia, irritability, and nervousness.  Ramen noodles may be good for a college student’s budget but they are bad for your health.  Learning how to shop and eat healthy when you have very limited funds, are on the go, and prefer convenience may be difficult but many college students make improvements after they fall victim to low energy, trouble concentrating and weight gain.

3.  Four Hours Of Sleep Is Plenty In Most Cases

Sleep can be a luxury for some college students.  There are a number of reasons students are sleep deprived, some party the night away, work graveyard shifts or pull all-nighters studying for tests, especially during finals week.  Four hours of sleep isn’t the recommended amount, in fact it is well below the optimal 8 or 9 hours but it is generally the sweet spot to getting just enough sleep in order to manage.

4.  Never Room With Your Best Friend

When living under the same the roof with your bestie you may find out more about them then you ever wanted to know.  Spending too much time together can have brutal consequences and has caused many friendships to crumble.  College sets the stage for meeting people and expanding new relationships but rooming with your best friend may limit these opportunities because you find yourselves in a comfort zone.

5.  Deciding On a Career Doesn’t Happen Overnight

You may have had the perfect plan for your future but it doesn’t always work out the way you want.  In fact, a high percentage of students change their major more than once and take more than 4 years to complete their degree.  Be patient and enjoy the journey.  College is a time for exploration and growth, if you are undecided on your major start with general education requirements and see if one particular subject or area of study sparks your interest.

My parents told me growing up, “Nothing in life is free.”  It was a good lesson to learn at an early age, so when I was nearing high school graduation I knew applying for “free money” or college scholarships wasn’t going to be a process without strings attached.   To my surprise I found the application process wasn’t always time consuming or tedious and finding scholarships to apply for wasn’t too challenging.

There are innumerable amounts of scholarships available and many resource guides online.  Besides your typical scholarships like those given for sports, outstanding academics, by state or major there are plenty of unusual ones if you have the creative mind to find them.  If you can make a duck call with your voice, have been a competitive bowler, like to make items out of duct tape, play marbles, are a twin or unusually tall there is a scholarship available for you.  Weird and wacky scholarships may be your ticket to free money.  These types of unique and crazy scholarships aren’t always as competitive as more common ones so your chances of winning or being chosen are better.  If you don’t apply, no one might.  In fact it’s staggering to think that many scholarships go unawarded because no one applied for them.

One way to find scholarships is to make a list of all your talents or facts about yourself, things such as religion, hobbies, ethnicity, or anything else that may set you apart from others.  It may be helpful to ask your parents or friends to give offer their ideas. Then begin a search for those specific types of scholarships.  It’s always beneficial to apply early and often!  Copy and paste the links for these in a folder and begin collecting the necessary pieces of information required for the application.  Once you begin the process of filling them out and submitting, keep a record or saved file of the ones you applied for in case you need to follow up or for easy access to apply again the following semester or year.

Messy – If you don’t clean up after yourself and never help out by tiding up chances are your roommate isn’t pleased.  If you are someone who doesn’t use hangers, closets or drawers but instead is inclined to toss their clothing, shoes and other personal items in random places throughout your living space, you are messy.  If you don’t throw away wrappers, empty soda cans, tissue and leave trails of trash ,you definitely fall under the bad roommate category.  No one wants to clean up after someone else and there should be an even give and take on tiding up and cleaning.  Your messy habits can cause sanitary issues and bad odors to occur.

A Mooch – Eating other people’s food, using their shampoo, razors or makeup, and wearing their clothes can be annoying but if you do it consistently your roommates will label you as one of these.  Borrowing money and not paying back, sleeping on the couch and simply not paying rent at all, or asking for extensions often on your half of the rent or other bills, means you’re a mooch.  Even trying to save money by using your roommate’s internet connection or always asking for free handouts won’t win you the good roommate award.

A Clean Freak – Yep, you may not be messy but if you happen to be the roommate who has OCD and is constantly cleaning up, this too can make you impossible to live with.  No one will complain if you are organized and clean more often than they do, but if you can’t help reorganizing things that aren’t yours, you fly off the handle whenever someone sets their drink on the coffee table without a coaster, you feel a need to vacuum early each morning before you leave for school, or you make chore charts that need to be done each day and are acting like a cleaning Nazi then, Houston we have a problem.

Loud – It’s one thing to be loud roommate sometimes and another to be loud all-of-the time.  Roommate schedules vary so knowing when and how to keep the noise level at a minimum keeps the peace.  Watching movies at high volume, using the noisy appliances or laughing and talking loudly when roommates are sleeping, studying, or on the phone is a breach of common courtesy.   There is a time and place for singing out loud, practicing the drums, or for “any” noisy activity.

Disrespectful – It shouldn’t take a cia agent to know if you have trouble in this area.  If you aren’t treating your roommate  like you want to be treated then you missed an important childhood lesson called the Golden Rule.  The simple fact is if you don’t care about your roommate then you aren’t being considerate.  Teasing, threatening or belittling is a big no-no.  Disrespecting others and their property is probably the biggest most serious roommate offense.

Many students are having trouble in college and don’t recognize it.  They think everyone is in the same boat and that college is suppose to be hard.  Even when they are struggling to keep up in their classes and can’t seem to get organized they wonder if that’s the norm for students in higher education.  There are always ups and downs during the year but what are the signs to look for to know if it’s becoming a serious issue.  Should you wait it out with hope things will improve or would it be better to take decisive action.   If you or someone you know exhibits some or all of these signs it is time to take a major reassessment and make drastic changes… whether you change your major, take fewer classes to lighten the load or transfer to one of the best online colleges to give your schedule more flexibility and attend school from home.  Here are the top 5 signs to look for.

1. It’s normal to feel some stress as a student especially during test time and finals, but if you find that you’re stressed every waking moment or even most days then something is wrong.  If you feel anxious, overwhelmed most of the time and plain hate where you are then reach out to someone.

2.  If you are late turning in assignments, asking for extensions on school work or getting incompletes.  This should be an exception for rare circumstances, not the usual procedure.  If you couldn’t find time to finish a paper, you were too busy doing work for 4 other courses, or another time the reading took you longer than expected this means you aren’t able to keep up with the pace of college.  Depending on your professors to make exceptions for late or incomplete work, unless it’s for a special circumstance, is not the norm.

3.  If you are getting C’s in classes or worse D’s, these are not good grades.  Getting a C in one or two courses during the year happens but generally college student’s average between a B and B+.  If you keep getting C’s and D’s on quizzes and tests you’re probably not learning anything and as you advance to upper-level courses you’ll find you can’t muster even a C.

4.  If you don’t understand the professors lectures don’t assume no else does either.  Most students have times when they can not comprehend a point the professor is trying to make.  Professors are usually understanding, and will answer questions to help, but if you feel lost and the whole lecture is not making sense, then you are in way over your head.

5.  If you are going home every week or on the phone with your parents a few times a day, then you have a problem.  Getting in touch and receiving support and love from them is one thing, but total dependence is another.  If you can’t seem to break away from your parents, find it difficult or are homesick often then you are not ready for independent living.

 Most students expect partying to be part of living the full college life experience.  Leaving the nest for most High School grads means venturing out on their own so that they can make the rules, live and learn, and begin adulthood. Students are likely to find a sub-culture in and around college campus’s where all-out partying and drinking is encouraged.  Most of the time alcohol is cheap, if not free aiding in consumption.  Often times students do not associate the negative effects that come with binge drinking until the signs are too strong to ignore.

Passing out, missing class, getting into fights, losing belongings, having sex they later regret and the inability to get back on track are just some of the consequences of drinking too much.  The worst outcome is death, and no one is immune if they consume too much.  Each year college drinking is to blame for an estimated 1,400 student deaths.  Alcohol has become the “drug of choice” on college campus’s with more than 40 percent admitting they binge drink.

Learning to balance and manage responsibilities, schedules, school and social life in itself can be a school of hard knox.  Some students find the stress to be too much and look for an out, which can lead to binge drinking, consuming 5 or more drinks in a short amount of time, but stress isn’t the only reason students binge drink. One clinical psychologist researching the topic said, “Many college students continue to binge drink because they perceive the positive social benefits of drinking to outweigh all of the negative consequences.”  Others binge drink because once their inhibitions are down after the first few drinks they have not learned to practice self control and continue consuming until they pass out.  Curiosity, depression, and most of all peer pressure are also factors leading to risky drinking behavior.

Groups like the, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism are taking preventative measures by, encouraging parents, students and college employees to change the culture on college campus’s and spread awareness of the dangers.  Also, some college campus’s are being proactive and offering free activities on campus, like dances, movie nights and volunteer opportunities to provide alternative outlets.  Putting an end to binge drinking may not be possible but offering initiatives and spreading awareness may save lives.

Young and old alike know how to celebrate Halloween, but who knows how to really party better than college students.  This year and years past college campus’s throw down some of the biggest holiday festivities for “All Hallows Eve“.  It may be the draw from dressing up in costume, the dark spooky atmosphere or the imaginative spirit of Halloween that give college students a reason to celebrate.

If you want to party in Ohio State or OSU then there will be tens of thousands of people gathering in the city of Athens now nicknamed, “The most haunted city in Ohio.”  This small city doubles it’s population for one night a year on, October 31st with guests and students all crammed into four blocks of road and bars on Court Street, a well-known Ohio road that hosts more bars than a prison.  Everyone is invited to this Halloween bash.

Another place to celebrate Halloween is at the University of Phoenix.  Last year for Halloween their stadium went black.  Selling black jerseys to Cardinal fans, whose jerseys usually are red, gave the team a psychological boost on Halloween and helped put this University on the radar as one of the most Halloween festive for their “blackout” on game day.

If you live anywhere close to Isla Vista, California then Del Playa Drive, otherwise known as D.P., is the place to be on October 31st.  Preparations for this party near the University of California, begin months in advance.  Anyone in the area will receive notices, emails and don’t forget to read your resident contract, all stating that visitors are strictly prohibited Halloween weekend and no one and I mean no one can park on D.P. just part of the precautions taken to prepare for a rowdy gathering of party people that make this street a Halloween legend.

You have all probably heard of, Mark Zuckerberg but even if his name doesn’t ring a bell you will recognize his ultimate creation, Facebook.  Mark, a 22 year old Harvard drop out is the CEO and co-founder of this social networking site and as of this year he is worth over 17 billion dollars.  So if you think you need a college degree to become a successful entrepreneur, think again.  Some feel like Mark Zuckerberg is the exception but history provides numerous examples of visionaries who made it big without the degree. Consider Simon Cowell, an Artist and Repertoire (A&R) executive for Sony, a television producer and judge for major television talent contests like American Idol and the X Factor, who started in a mail room for a music publishing company.

College graduates who became successful entrepreneurs will most likely tell you that earning their degree gave them useful knowledge, helping them build their business, but successful entrepreneurs that didn’t finish their degree or attend college will probably tell you it’s a waste of time.  Chances of finding a job right out of college are slimming, the nation’s youth are faced with sky-high levels of unemployment making the question of what to do after high school more pivotal.  Advocates for higher education will throw out statistics showing college graduates making higher wages, but what they aren’t taking into consideration is the amount of debt the average college student incurs during their college years.  Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, never even received a high school education, Rachael Ray, a TV personality who made a name for herself in the food industry has no formal culinary arts education and Bill Gates, reported as the worlds richest person from 1995 to 2006, after creating the largest computer software company without attending college to become a software developer.

So what makes these individuals successful if not education?  It’s motivation, drive, passion, and perseverance that propelled them to into success.  So, whether or not you decide to continue your education, remember that being successful doesn’t have to come with a college degree.

Most students enrolled in school or even taking courses at a top online university are looking for ways to make a little extra cash to spend on electronics, clothes or extra-curricular activities like dating and going out.  The typical college student income is said to be anywhere from about $600 to $800 dollars a month, whether from a job, parent or other sources.  Most of their discretionary income is spent on food.  Most students are savvy and capable with their finances but some months it’s nice to have a little extra, when things get tight or to splurge once in a while.  Here are some creative and controversial ways to bring in some extra money quickly.

Return Past Purchases

If you are in dire need of money right now then take some of your recently purchased items back.  It’s an efficient way of getting money quickly and most of the time you will get a full refund with a receipt.  It will reduce your stuff and help you pay penance for spending habits, too.

Sell Some Body Parts

Well, not body parts like your kidney or liver but those that are replaceable like plasma or hair.  Most clinics that collect plasma will give you up to $45.00 dollars in cash and let you donate twice a week.  For a small prick in the arm and about an hour of laying on a table it’s a popular way to pocket some dough.

Head to a Casino

Not the top of the list and definitely a desperate move.  Going to the casino should be a last resort and only if your life will be in ruin without the extra money.  It will require that you have some money currently and don’t forget the risk involved.  But who’s to say you won’t be lucky and walk away with what you came for.

Sell Stuff on Craigslist

It’s the perfect alternative for a college student that can’t have a yard sale.  This internet site is dedicated to buying and selling almost anything legal.  It’s free to list your for sale items and its localized so there won’t be shipping costs involved.

Bank on Your Sperm

Sperm donation rates vary but the average payout is about $40 per donation.  However, beware because sperm donation requires a six month or longer commitment without “liberation” when you are off the clock.  Yep, you heard right so consider this before using this option.

Collect Your Change

If you are like most students there is a collection of coins hidden in your apartment, or car.  Empty your piggy banks, comb your bedside drawer, scavenge through your car or search under couch cushions because there could be a small fortune waiting to be unearthed.  You may be surprised how much that small coin is worth.

Scalp Tickets (legally of course)

If you are broke and suddenly realize you are sitting on tickets to Hannah Montana or if your roommate or friend is giving away tickets to a sports event, use the tickets to make some money and scalp them.

Turn on any national news program or open any news media site online today and you are bound to see or hear about, Amanda Knox the 24 year old American foreign exchange student in Italy, found guilty of murdering her British roommate in 2009.  Making headlines, Amanda made it home to Seattle yesterday after the appeals court acquitted her.  She was locked up for four years and spent over one thousand days surrounded by concrete walls in an Italian prison for a crime the court is now saying she was falsely accused of due to a DNA review.  In the review the court found that the evidence was severely compromised by sloppy police collection methods and sub-par forensic testing. Finally a free women, reunited with her family on U.S. soil and ready to begin her life once again.  When her Dad was asked how her imprisonment might change his daughter, he said: “I think this experience will possibly change what she wants to do with her life.” He said he thought his daughter eventually would re-enroll at the University of Washington.  I’m sure for those following her story we will all want to know what will become of Amanda, like deciding on a career to her dating and social life.  Will she write a book of her experiences or use her fame to have a positive impact on the world?  I watched her this morning in a moving television interview as she cried and thanked all those that supported her and her family through out the ordeal.  Almost too emotional for words the interview was short but heartfelt. It looks like her nightmare is over but for the family of the murdered victim theirs will continue until questions are answered.

Meredith Kercher, the victim in the case was brutally murdered in her apartment.  She was stabbed, strangled and raped leaving behind a bloody mess of a crime scene.  From what I read, everyone loved Meredith or some called her “Mez” for short.  She had a lovely smile and was a beautiful person inside and out.  Leaving those who knew her wondering why anyone would want to harm her.  Of the three convicted of the murder only one is still behind bars. The Kercher family issued a brief statement, saying: “We respect the decision of the judges but we do not understand how the decision of the first trial could be so radically overturned. We still trust the Italian justice system and hope that the truth will eventually emerge.”

So the question for me still remains.  Is she guilty?  I don’t know and I’m sure we will never know the whole truth of this tragedy but for now America seems happy knowing that one girl from Seattle is back home and reunited with her family.  I share the same sentiment.  I’d rather see a guilty man walk then to see an innocent one caged.

Last night I caught the tail end of a news story on MSN regarding Faculty Residence Programs.  The thought of a faculty member living in the residence halls was a completely new idea for me.  I couldn’t decide if I would welcome it or feel it was intrusive as a college student.  The theory behind such programs, which are gaining popularity is for major universities to facilitate, strengthen and enhance interaction between students and faculty.  It gives students the ability to interact with faculty and their families in an environment essentially regulated by the students themselves without limitations and formalities of everyday teacher-student relationships.

Universities believe that having faculty living side by side with students helps them adjust better to college life and feel more at home.  But those that oppose the program argue that if students wanted to feel more at home they would of stayed home and earned their degree through online courses.  From what I gathered faculty are encouraged to make positive contributions through intentional and developmental interactions.  At Rollins College in Florida state, one faculty member and his family hosted a Salsa-themed open-house in their new home and then a barbecue night in January to welcome students back after the holidays. Both were said to be a huge success.  This particular family participating in the program consists of the husband who is the faculty member, his wife, and their toy poodle who students say became an instant celebrity on campus.  At Soka University in California, the Assistant Professor for the Department of International Studies participates in the Faculty Residence Program with his wife and their young son.  In a welcome letter to students at the start of the year he wrote, “I know all about adjusting to new cultures and being far from home.  The solution to this problem is making new friends and building a community.  To this end, I hope you will join us for soirées, study sessions, and weekly soccer games!”  It’s definitely a unique contribution that these faculty members living in residence halls are making and universities feel strongly that they are beneficial but are the feelings mutual?  If you ask one of the college students living with faculty what their opinion is on the program would their response be equally favorable?  I’m not convinced!

I thought it was time to lighten the mood and write about something dear to my heart but still somewhat controversial, depending on who you ask.  Ask the person playing tonsil hockey with their significant other or the onlookers and passers-by trying to avoid a glance at any cost, their answers won’t surprise you.  Those on the giving or receiving end of PDA are typically in their own little bubble with little concern for those around them, but I’m positive 99% of all victims of PDA crimes will tell you they despise it!  I’m not speaking of the casual holding hands or light kissing, but the couple that takes it too far and is providing the rest of us with an uncomfortable show, like something off of the nature channel called, Mating In The Wild.  Yet somehow a random couple will find the campus commons area to be the appropriate place to reenact scenes.  On campus Public Displays of Affection can really distract from a learning environment, but that’s not why I hate it!  It’s uncomfortable to watch and frankly I really would prefer they “Get a room!”

If you are currently in a relationship here are some simple rules to follow.  Do not by any means do any of the following in public – Neck sucking, up skirting, butt grabbing, tongue kissing, or vocalize “I want you”.   An I love you is appropriate and nice but hearing “I want you” is whole other issue.  If you must say it then whisper because no one wants to hear you are having urges in front of them.  If you happen to find yourself participating in any of these acts on campus then it may be better for you to consider taking online courses to spare the rest of us.

Now, for any naysayers who think they support PDA’s I would argue that the occasional hand holding and kissing, to a certain extent is not just acceptable, but necessary for longevity in a relationship.  Affection doesn’t make people uncomfortable, it’s the couple that can’t keep their hands off each other that creates the controversy.  If we must put up with public nonsense, keep in mind their relationship will not last more than a few years.  Passion and lust fade while affection can last a lifetime.

It’s one thing to “feel safe” on college campus and another to know that I am safe!  After the Virginia Tech. massacre in April of 2007, where 35 people were killed and 25 injured, I couldn’t help questioning my own safety.  There may be security cameras and a security guard here or there on campus but is it enough to keep students safe? The two separate attacks during the Virginia Tech massacre happened within 2 hours of each other, yet no one was made aware until it was too late.  It was the deadliest incident by a single gunman in U.S. history.  It was also the worst act of mass murder on college students since Syracuse University lost 36 students in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.  After the incident, the question on many peoples minds was, “would the right to carry fire-arms on campus have saved lives that day,” and “do I have the right to carry fire-arms on campus?”

As individuals we are vulnerable to many crimes such as, rape, robbery, assault, and murder on campus.  Should the right to carry a firearm be prohibited?  There are currently 24 states that prohibit carrying concealed weapons on campus, but groups like, Students for Concealed Carry are trying to change that.  Their argument is that until a college campus can guarantee a student will never encounter a threatening situation, they must never prohibit students from their own means of protection.  Because ultimately, the only person available to protect you 24/7 is you.  “Colleges have entered into an informal alliance with criminals,” said David Burnett, spokesman with Students for Concealed Carry.  “By banishing lawfully-armed citizens, the college is denying the right to self-defense and creating a defense-free environment which leaves colleges extremely vulnerable and attractive to criminals.”  One crime scene investigator also commented that, “we need to stop disarming the very people who could make a difference between our life and death.”

In February, of this year Texas proposed a measure to give students and professors the right to carry concealed guns on campus.   More than half the members of the Texas House are in favor of the bill.  If the bill passes, it will be the second state behind Utah, to pass such a broad based law.  Other states like Colorado, leave the decision up to each college individually, whether or not to allow students the right to carry concealed weapons on campus.  To see if your state is among the “Right to Carry” click on the following link: Concealedcampus.com

Why does the cost of tuition continue to rise in a slow economy, a tight job market and unemployment at it’s highest?  How do Universities justify increasing the price of tuition, books, and housing?  I have to wonder if paying for a degree is worth finding a mediocre job, at best once, I’ve graduated? For example, if I want to obtain a psychology degree and it takes me five years to complete, I will have spent on average, $115,000 to reach graduation day and if I’m lucky enough to find a job right out of college, the average reported psychology salary is around $65,000.

In my opinion, higher education should be a high priority but state budget cuts to education funding are forcing some Universities to continue raising prices. In an article called, “Money: College Tuition Keeps Rising” it says one of the reasons University officials were raising sticker prices was to counterbalance reductions in the subsidies governments (in other words, taxpayers) provide for higher education. On a positive note, federal grant aid is on the rise. In 2009 it rose 11% from the year prior. I have friends that have delayed their educations because they couldn’t afford it and others whose grades suffered because they had to work full-time to put themselves through college. Education should not have to take a back seat for anyone who desires a degree.

With federal funding towards financial aid on the rise, it is advantageous to take the time and effort applying for grants and scholarships.  There are easy scholarships and grants given out for just about anything, your clubs, affiliations, school, geographic area, ethnicity, hobbies, and even whether or not you are left handed or right handed can help you get a grant. There are grants out there for almost everything and the more unusual they are the better your chance because there is a smaller percentage of people competing for it.

One of the cheapest ways to earn a degree is online or through distance learning.  Whether you compare per credit cost or per semester cost, your savings is about half.  Not only are you pocketing the savings, but helping alleviate University expenses for building or renting space for students to attend classes and administrative costs to maintain the campus.

Education is one of the most important investments the state can make, yet they continually cut funding.  In order to stop University rates from climbing, we need to get involved with our state legislators and put pressure on them to use funding for education.  Find out who your local state legislators are and write, email or call them.

America is said to be the land of opportunity, not the land of opportunity for those who can afford it!  We are the generation who will be running things in the very near future.  I can’t change the cost of getting a degree but together we can help make the difference.

When I enrolled to take online courses I also applied for scholarships and financial aid. I wondered who I was up against and how good my chances were to receive assistance. Should I have to compete with Illegal immigrants?

Why would someone from another country that hasn’t made an effort to become a citizen deserve the right to scholarships or financial aid? Supporters vocalize that most of these students came to the United States with undocumented parents when they were a child and don’t know of any other country. Otherwise, they are uneducated and become a burden to society, why not provide them with opportunities to receive scholarships and financial aid so that they can integrate into this society. Those that disagree with these programs argue that financial resources are limited as it is and US Citizens and Permanent Residents should be the only ones to receive scholarships and financial aid to fund their education. Especially because citizens are required to pay taxes and millions of dollars in taxpayer money is used to fund scholarships and financial aid. If illegal immigrants are not contributing then should they benefit?

Many private scholarships do not require proof of citizenship and therefore assist illegal immigrants. In an article written by, Debbie Schlussel, she said, “You get rid of more bees with vinegar than with honey. So why are America’s corporations providing more honey to illegal aliens?” Some American corporations that offer private scholarship programs are aiding the invasion of illegal immigrants. Shouldn’t they be required to verify citizenship? If you oppose American corporations offering scholarships and financial aid to illegal aliens then you may not want to finance them and continue buying their products. An interesting article to read by the Wall Street Journal on this subject is titled, “When the Corporate Scholarship Winner Is Here Illegally.”

We’ve all had a few bad professors in our day, but what if you have an exceptionally horrible one? The professor that feels like teaching interferes with their research or who hasn’t ever seen the course material applied in the real world.  It can definitely put a damper on the start of a new semester. With a full class schedule and so many things to manage, not to mention a class to pass, you may be wondering what to do or who to talk to.  Trying to get your professor fired may be a waste of time, but here are a few ideas.

Switch Classes

If you notice early enough, that your professor is a dud, you may still be able to drop the class and pick up a new one.  Check with the registrar’s office to see if you have met the deadline to drop/add classes.  You may even want to postpone the class until a later semester in hopes that it will be taught by a different professor.

Get a tutor

If your professor is plainly not a good teacher and you find yourself struggling, even after you’ve approached the professor with questions – get a tutor.  I figure you have two options, get bad grades or ask for help elsewhere.

Speak to Someone

If your professor is offensive in the way he communicates to the class or specific individuals, or has shown favoritism to students, then reach out and tell someone.  You can report the bad behavior to the department chair, an adviser, your RA, other faculty members, or even the dean.  As long as you bring the situation to someone’s attention.

Consider taking it Online

A professor who may not teach well, give instruction, answer questions or communicate appropriately in a face to face setting may be easier to deal with online.  If the class is offered as an online course than you will be communicating with your professor through email.  I have found that a professor who blows you off during or after class will give more effective responses thru email. 

Fill out Class/Professor Evaluation Forms

Getting your professor fired may not be possible, but give the professor a really good critique. You have every right to complain. Even if you do not take another class with the professor, you are still helping future students. The way I see it, you as a student, are the customer and your courses are part of the service you receive.  Take the time to fill out the evaluations and persuade other classmates to do the same on particularly rotten professors.

It’s ultimately impossible to get your professor fired, but there are other options you can take in order to start the process.  Eventually the higher ups will take notice, if students are avoiding taking a certain professors class, they receive too many complaints, or if the bad professor is rating low on the evaluation forms.  Consider it homework and take action!  You will be glad you did!