For the first two years in The College of Arts and Sciences, a student is consumed with fulfilling the seemingly endless requirements of the liberal arts core. The college recognizes the struggles involved in navigating the curriculum and has developed an array of services to aid students. With a coalition of resources left untapped, freshmen and sophomores burden themselves with the complicated task of completing the curriculum.

The purpose of the standard core curriculum is to ease the transition from a general education in high school to a concentration in a college major. The greatest problem with the core curriculum is the lack of communication between the students who must adhere to it and the administration that implements it.

Despite the university’s effort to advise students, there is a significant lack of understanding by the student body. Associate Dean of The College of Arts and Sciences David Potter says he encourages students to ‘reach out, ask for help’ with their concerns. There are many services available for students so they can create a sound academic plan. From professional academic advisers and the Registar’s office to calling students in advance of opening weekend, the college is continually attempting to reach students. Potter faces the challenge of initiating student response to the ‘battery of resources’ available.

Despite the college’s effort, freshman economics major Niko Rechul was completely lost when attempting to map out his future academic plan. ‘My advisers didn’t explain anything and assumed I understood it all,’ laments Rechul. The advising staff seems to be misled regarding how knowledgeable freshman are about the intricacies of the liberal arts core.

But not everyone is as stressed by the curriculum. Adam Hecht is a freshman in The College of Arts and Sciences and said he is proud to be undeclared. Hecht finds the core curriculum fascinating and is grateful to have the opportunity to take such a diverse set of courses. ‘I get to explore everything from geology to genetics to philosophy and what could be better than that?’ Hecht said. He reasons that if the university did not direct him to take courses in the various departments he would never generate a balanced schedule.

The core curriculum can be overwhelming yet the value of the system outweighs the stress. This system offers many options for students who are not sure if they are laying a firm foundation for their academic future. If students took the first step, and used one of the services Potter has organized, the entire university community would benefit. Students should use the core curriculum and advisers to their advantage, so they can get the most out of the immense opportunities this university creates.