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Faculty, Student and Community Views on SEE

By Terrell Bryant
Black College Wire

Alice Holt, business professor, director of the Communications Center: �I love Swinton and Benedict. However, I think the problem came in when there was no formal introduction of the policy to the faculty. If the element of faculty engagement was there, then this topic might not have been as big as it is. As an educator for over 40 years, the process of the policy is nothing new. The only difference is that it was not called the SEE policy. In my various teaching jobs, I have given participation grades. Now that I understand how to implement the policy, I feel better with its implementation.�

Ronald Davis, freshman seminar instructor: �While I go along with the policy, I feel that it may make students lazy. Some students may not give their full potential because they know they have a crutch to lean on. Students, as we say in the old days, have got to be about the business. For the students who do put forth, 100 percent of their efforts will be successful. Ultimately, the success rests with the students. The verdict is still out.�

Byron McKelvey, 19, elementary education major: �I see good and bad in the policy. It can help those who are actually willing to make the effort, meaning getting involved and participating in all classroom assignments. However, it may make some settle.�

Alicia Goodwin, 25, criminal justice major: �It is a good policy because it helps students who might not have had a good educational background. It gives them a chance to see what it takes for them to become successful. With proper implementation, I think there will be some great results. It will be a shame if some students were to try and take advantage of it because they will only end up hurting themselves.�

Bilal Salahuddin, 22, computer science major: �If it stands for what it says, then I am 10 toes down. . . . Whatever you strive for, that's what you're gonna get. I am against those who try to abuse the policy. Overall, I can't wait for the policy to prove those with negative words wrong.�

Marlena Johnson, 23, criminal justice major: �I disagree with it. I do not feel it gives freshmen the true feeling of being a college student because some may take advantage of it and not put forth their best effort. It is like saying I can sign my name to a test and not have to try and pass because I'm still going to get a 'C' out of the class."

Gwendolyn Bryant, retired Columbia, S.C., teacher: �I think it is too abstract. If an instructor does not like a student, or if there is a personality conflict between an instructor and student, the instructor has 60 percent control of the grade. I would prefer being graded on knowledge and not effort. When you reach the real world, you are expected to show outcomes. I think if someone is having problems, they should ask for help from the instructor or seek tutoring. A person who is really putting forth effort would not mind being tutored to get the information.�

Daniel Ancrum III, Benedict alumnus attending the Art Institute of Charlotte, N.C.: �I do not appreciate the way the policy is being portrayed. I did not understand the logic behind its commencement. I thought the SEE policy was for all four years, which contributed to my negative thinking on it. Yes, I do support BC's effort in trying to educate the community at large, such as the adult education program. I am concerned for my fellow alumni that future employers may assume that a Benedict College degree is based on effort and not knowledge. Although I have some hangups about it, I support my alma mater in creating powers for good in society."

Terrell Bryant, a student at Benedict College, writes for The Tiger News.

Posted Nov. 3, 2004