Capstone controversy:

At Babson, there is a requirement that 2nd years (and 1 yr students) take a capstone course to graduate. It is meant to prepare us, students on what is happening in the world. The less I say here, the better. Because there has been lot of confusion already as some the description (supposedly outdated) in the course catalog had "ethics", "social" and such words that tipped many students off. It is a 3 credit hour course and hence we will have one less course (or two 1.5 credit courses) option. There are quite a few good courses which are in high demand and people want to take as many good courses as possible. Given that, this capstone puts us in a difficult position.

The school's argument is that this requirement was published a while back but somehow many of us did not catch it. Further, this course offered last year had very poor students' feedback making my batch mates even more apprehensive.

I sincerely hope this course is good this year. Professors seem to be sincere to make a difference this year. On a side note, I am looking forward to this course because it would be good to go back to "cohort" setting as in first year.

After many people voiced their concerns, our dean arranged a town hall meeting to discuss college strategies but the capstone discussions took the entire meeting time. Clearly, this "required" course impact plans for many. All shared very legitimate arguments putting forth their ideas. We have to wait and see the results from sharing our concerns.

[updated on Oct 27th]
the town hall meeting. The My biggest disappointment is that the GSC (graduate student council) kept mum leading up to GSC even has a representative to voice concerns in the graduate decision making board. I wonder why some choose to run for GSC? Is it just to organize pub nights and social gatherings? Or is it for networking? Or just to improve their resume? It is very discomforting to see supposedly matured business professionals who might one day lead a company shy away from responsibility to represent students and choose to ignore this sensitive, important matter altogether.

A self serving individual representing GSC could change the rules for future students as long as he/she does not get affected. Last year there was a change to Honors policy (Read this post for details) to be effective after the then 2nd years graduate. GSC representative, a second year, had no problem in voting for it without ever consulting the first years.

I hope we, students, take more responsibility for the way college is run.

[Appended on Oct 27th]
Last week, I got to know a bit more information on what went on last year with respect to this capstone course. It is very interesting and comforting to hear that they had raised similar concerns and suggested very similar options to what we did this year. So, while my comment on GSC could be construed as accusation, it is not to question the intentions but the actions and the lack of communication with the students.

At least, last year the course was made optional. I wonder what is going to happen this year.