With the severe shortage of state funds, many colleges and universities have had to cut classes and other educational programs, prolonging graduation dates for many students. With a limited amount of class space available, the question arises: who deserves first choice from these limited spots?
The Ventura County Community College District is reviewing a proposal from the athletic directors of all three campuses that would give athletes priority registration. The question I pose is when did the physical ability to play a sport grant those individuals educational priority?
I argue that priority registration should be granted to those who are closest to graduation, or it should simply remain with military veterans and low-income students.
Dr. Linda Kama’ila, department chair of Anthropology, is not convinced by the proposal.
“I have yet to hear one good argument as to why athletes should get priority, as opposed to say, a returning student with a small child,” said Kama’ila. “We can’t give it to everybody.”
Athletes should not receive any special treatment. The concept of being a student athlete is being able to perform both in the classroom and on the field or court. Nobody forces them to be athletes. The reputation of a school does not depend on how great their sports programs are, but on the academic success of the collective student body.
Jose Martinez, a 22-year-old art major, disagrees with the proposal and hopes that VCCCD will reconsider its implementation.
“I can see why veterans and CalWorks students get priority registration, but not athletes,” said Martinez. “Every time you see an athlete on campus is because they’re hanging out in the quad all day and never go to class. So, how does this benefit them?”
In many cases, athletes don’t prepare for the life after the sport, but merely for stardom. The stigma behind the “athlete” is conceptualized by the fact that the faculty themselves are lenient with their attendance and grading. How is that fair to students who work so hard and come to class to make the grade?
Jennifer Quintana, a 25-year-old history major, was shocked to hear of this new proposal.
“Athletes get too many priorities,” said Quintana. “In my class they’re always late or always absent. I just think they get away with too much.”
Still, there are those who believe in the academic abilities of athletes and support this proposal fully.
Ralph Smith, OC veteran’s counselor, voted in favor of this item and welcomes athletes to the priority registration cohort.
“Athletes must take 12 units, they must go to class or they get kicked off the team,” said Smith. “So why not do this for them? This is really good for the college and I think this is a fantastic idea.”
Still, I can’t help but wonder how many slots will be left for other students.
Who else wants priority registration?
Monica Valencia contributed to this story.
