Entering the College of Design’s Career Days last Friday, I didn’t have high hopes — careers are still far from my mind. However, after witnessing so many of my fellow students getting suited up for prestigious career days, I decided I should check it out.

Even for someone with absolutely no expectations, Design’s “Explore Graphic Design and Studio Arts” event was a disappointment. Upon entering, I saw eight — yes, eight — tables, each representing one company.

Unfortunately, my experience wasn’t surprising. To be honest, my disappointment with Design began months before classes started — at orientation. Long story short, I left registration extremely confused and unsure about who my advisor even was. I signed up for six credits I didn’t need to take.

Since then, I’ve settled into the life of a design student more comfortably, but I still

have some qualms.

The main area where Design could improve is clubs and organizations. We’ve heard it a million times: in today’s world, students need more than good grades. We need to show deep involvement, leadership and commitment to learning outside the classroom. Clubs are the best way to achieve these goals. Furthermore, organizations help students make long-lasting connections and friendships with other students and faculty.

Perhaps Design’s biggest problem is poor advertising. To be fair, there was a separate career day for Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, and Community and Regional Planning that I didn’t attend. I heard there were other events, but I have no idea what or when they were.

Further, there are 15 student organizations listed on the College of Design Web site.

The problem is, I’ve never even heard of most of them. And, from what I can tell, most of them are not aimed at freshmen – they are geared toward students who have been accepted into their programs.

I’d like to make myself clear — I am not writing to bash the College of Design. I am writing because I know we can do better.

In just one semester here, I have met many inspiring faculty, and we undoubtedly have some of the most passionate, hardworking students on campus. The college is consistently ranked among the top design schools in the country.

However, college is about more than academics, and in many of these areas, Design is letting its students down.

Sarah Binder

Freshman

Pre-Art and Design, Pre-Journalism and Mass Communication