Graphic by Edleen Guiao.
Croft's Comments has returned my friends! I am glad to be back — helping, answering questions and responding to each and every one of you.
This month, we have a wide range of questions covering everything from student concerns about new financial changes at UAA to my preferred type of wine. Don't forget to submit your questions or comments for the next edition of Croft's Comments!
Q: What do you think about parking services price hiking? Do they even have justification for the increases?
A: I have very strong opinions on this topic. Currently, I have not looked into the increase very much. As such, I am unable to make a determination about whether there is an appropriate justification for this increase. What I can say for certain is that you should keep your eyes peeled for a new "Late to the Party" column entry that might be discussing parking services.
Q: Is it hard being the personality hire?
A: I wouldn't necessarily call myself the personality hire. We have many vibrant personalities here at TNL who all contribute greatly to our unique dynamic.
Q: Pizza, tacos or pasta?
A: A Dorito taco shell filled with pasta noodles and covered with marinara, mozzarella and Italian sausage. If I had to pick though, I might settle with tacos, because you can buy a lot more of them for less money.
Q: Are you hosting any parties this semester? Maybe a social night at a bar near campus?
A: I have never hosted any parties; that would violate the student code of conduct. I would consider gathering a group of people to hang out at The Blue Fox near campus. That could be fun, so long as everyone who joins is of legal age.
Q: Who is the hottest person at the newspaper?
A: We have not yet taken everyone's temperature, but we might do this at our next event to determine the answer. Would you prefer your answer in Fahrenheit or Canadian?
Q: I ate an apple for breakfast but I think I wanted a banana instead. Should I get an orange next time?
A: Definitely get the banana, not an orange. You will enjoy it more considering that is what you were craving.
Q: The UAA alcohol and party restrictions are absurd. Having more than a twelve-pack of beer and two friends over, in the eyes of the university, is an offense worthy of getting kicked out of housing in 72 hours. The university would rather have homeless students than to allow small get-togethers with over 21 year old individuals. UAA is doing everything in its power to restrict the experience of residents by imposing absolutely laughable rules. Students are not even allowed to have beer signs. Get real. Students should be responsible of course, but there is no reason that “parties” should be banned. This is one aspect of campus life that makes me want to move off campus; I’d rather deal with a landlord than pay thousands of dollars to get fucked over by this university time and time again.
A: I couldn't agree more. Of course this is my personal opinion and not one that is endorsed by TNL. I think the rules and regulations surrounding appropriate alcohol consumption and small social gatherings need to be amended desperately at this university. Although, as we have seen time and time again, our lovely university prefers to make a profit rather than create an environment conducive to an enjoyable experience for its students. The people in power here at the university must not understand the basics of supply and demand. If the experience for students is not enjoyable, then the students will stop coming to this school.
Q: Pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon?
A: I actually much prefer a chardonnay, but if I have to pick between the two, probably the cabernet.
Q: What are your thoughts on UAA talking about raising tuition another 3%?
A: More money for the University should ideally make our experience as students better. However, we shall see if that is actually the case. The real question is: Why does tuition need to increase when it feels like more and more courses are only being offered online?
Q: What’s your go to gas station haul?
A: Circle K: Buffalo Chicken roller, a Butterfinger and a blue raspberry slushie.
Q: Bro my ONLINE A+P class is requiring a TWO DAY lab intensive in KENAI which is three hours away. I had a trip planned during that time too! If an online class requires something in-person they should warn you. What if I lived in Minnesota or something?!
A: I couldn't agree more. If a course is only offered online and in-person attendance is required when the rest of the course is entirely conducted online, there should be a warning. I also think that your professor should be understanding of the fact that it is an online course and the requirement to show up in-person is something that you might be able to discuss with them. My advice is to reach out to ask if there is any way that you can still go on your trip, but not attend the in-person lab. Murat Demir wrote a wonderful story about the topic of in-person vs online courses that you can check out if you are interested.
Q: Do you think UAA administrators, UA administrators, and members of the Board of Regents are just willfully ignorant to the sorry state of their campuses across Alaska? Or do you think they are being intentionally malicious by doing the bare minimum they can to act like they care about the universities they're supposed to be stewards of, holding onto their jobs while they continue to shaft students, staff, and faculty, all so they can hand themselves another big paycheck for doing a whole lot of fuck all?
A: I think assuming malicious intent on the part of our supreme leaders would be jumping the gun slightly. I do, however, completely understand the frustration with our current financial situations as students. Why is our experience at this school not as enjoyable as it could be even though we pay exorbitant fees akin to that of any other state university? What is the difference between those schools and our school? How can we change our experience for the better and how can our leadership help us make everything better? At the end of the day, our administrators need to step up and recognize the mistakes that they have made, which have made many of the students here at the university feel stepped on.
Q: How do you feel about the start of this semester? What are the general vibes you get from walking about?
A: I won't lie, I am beyond burnt-out. I am mentally ready to graduate, but only halfway done with my college experience. I guess doing school full-time, even during summer semesters, has finally caught up to me. This semester will be good though; I am determined to make it so. As for the vibes I get from walking around, I think it is still a little too soon to say. There are a lot of new faces around campus which is always good to see. Our community is growing, and I encourage all of you to say “hi” to at least one new person a day until you've met everyone. This environment can only flourish if we make it so. Let's reverse this asocial behavior that was brought on by the COVID years.
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