Registration for All, Class for Some
February 13, 2004
Each year, Tufts students look forward to the chance to take unique and exciting classes in the Experimental College. Many are disappointed, however, when the number of students showing up far surpasses the enrollment limit. This year, for example, over 100 students signed up for “Genetics, Ethics, and the Law,” a course that accepted only 26 students.
The Ex College is unique not only in its course offerings, but also in its registration process. Students can sign up online starting over winter break, then must show up at the first class with an add/drop form. If too many students show up, they must fill out an information sheet that will be used by the class’s instructor to determine which students will be granted admission to the class. The selection process is at the discretion of the teachers. Lists of students who have made it into full classes are posted on a metal cabinet in the Ex College office in Miner Hall. Some Ex College classes, such as “Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation,” which Director of the Ex College Robyn Gittleman affectionately calls “CSI,” fill up rapidly while others still have space left a week into classes. The whole process can be hectic for some students.
Some frustrated students who have been shut out of the classes of their choice expressed disappointment with the process. Topping the list of controversial issues is that of the lack of preference given to seniors in choosing classes. Gittleman said that the number of seniors looking to enroll in the Ex College is especially high in spring, as they finish major requirements and look to take advantage of new, fun classes before graduation. She believes the frustration is born out of the massive interest the Ex College breeds, as it provides Tufts students with different perspectives than their normal classes may offer. Ex College classes give students a chance to branch out into new areas and explore new ideas without the atmosphere of traditional classes.
Another question raised among students is the availability of multiple sections of the most popular classes. If lecturers are willing to teach multiple sections, why not provide them? Ex College courses are open to all students, Gittleman said, with the intent that the classes are small to provide “participatory education.” Partly because of the diverse backgrounds of instructors, who are experts in their fields but not necessarily experienced teachers, most classes are not repeated.
For the same reason, according to Gittleman, multiple sections of classes are not offered. Each semester there is a new host of classes, and the success of the classes is a gamble. A class might be a huge success, but it might not be. The classes that are offered on a repeat basis are voted in every semester based on their reception in the previous semester. “People say, ‘Why can’t I get in if I’m a senior,’” Gittleman said. “But there shouldn’t be seniority because the class might never be taught again.” She believes that a very enthusiastic underclassman should have the same opportunity to take a class as a senior.
The whole registration process “is sort of like a restaurant,” Gittleman said. Just like you lose a restaurant reservation if you do not show up, if you do not show up at the first class after registering online, then you lose your spot. She suggests that students register online for a few classes that interest them, and register early. “You can sign up from the ski lodge or whatever [over winter break]” because it is online. Then be sure to be at the first class. If it is full, students are asked to fill out the personal information sheet. Gittleman speculated that lots of instructors are likely to choose upperclassmen but also look for a diversity of age, sex, and experience. For example, the instructor for the “Forensics” class might look for a few political science majors, some students from the natural sciences, some from the arts. Some instructors ask students for a paragraph explaining why they want to take the class, and use this information in the selection process.
Still, seniors may be disappointed. Katie Drizos, a sophomore who works as an administrative assistant at the Ex College, said that the week class lists were posted, a lot of people found that their names were not on the list, and left disappointed. She believes that seniors should be given preference. “As a senior, I would want to take more fun classes,” she said. Classes that seemed to be especially popular this year were “Genetics, Ethics, and the Law,” “Forensics,” and “Newsrooms, Locker rooms, and Press Boxes.” “If I were a senior and didn’t get in, and an underclassman did, it would be really disappointing,” Drizos said.
Though many seniors would agree with Drizos, the registration process seems to fit the atmosphere of the Ex College. A past Observer article called it “an atmosphere of managed uncertainty,” and Gittleman has that quote typed up in large print on her office bulletin board. New ideas are always welcome. For example, three semesters of Hindi/Urdu are being offered in a trial which may be repeated.
The Experimental College will celebrate its 40th anniversary this spring, and Gittleman hopes to set up a display of flyers of Ex College classes past. She said that while certain selections have changed over the years, many course offerings have stayed the same. She remembered that back in the 70s there were offerings of Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, and jazz, along with dance and photography. Many of those courses have since been mainstreamed into traditional departments at Tufts. A decade from now, classes offered through the Ex College might be standard curriculum.