Western Oregon Journal

Dear Western Oregon Journal,

I just read your article written by Katie Selby titled "New Program Creates Confusion for Freshmen," and I wanted to share some new insight into the problem. Contrary to the statement given by Katherine Schmidt about the Academy 101 class being strongly recommended but not required, I was told by a senior staff member (name withheld) in the AALC office in Early September in a personal conversation over the phone that the academy was required for graduation. I took this statement at the time with hesitation since there is no Western literature stating this. This staff member was very persistent that I sign up for the class, so I eventually gave in, and in turn had to drop an LACC required class I would have much rather taken. I have not yet dropped Academy 101 like many freshmen, but I am still very confused, frustrated and angry at the misguidance I was given by the advising department.

Also, although I cannot verify this, I have been told by other freshmen that they have, in some cases, been involuntarily signed up for the course. If true, this is obviously very deceitful and dishonest. In my opinion, the way this course has been presented and operated reeks of politics, not education.

-Nathan R. Bortnem

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