Traditional College Experience

When examining the traditional college experience, a major conflict arises between groups concerning whether or not college education holds students to a high enough standard to achieve success in the “real world” after they graduate. The major stakeholders involved in this conflict are the students, parents, and employers. The students of course are affected because they are the ones whose workload and experience stand to be changed depending on which view is adopted. The parents are also involved because they are usually paying for the education, and want to see their child succeed. Parents also want their child to remain happy and stress free. Employers also are affected because the students will some day be working for them, and employers will want the most qualified to fill positions at their companies.
When it comes to raising the standard at which students are held, students and parents may object. Students of course may feel that they are already overworked, and value their free time. Increasing the workload might also negatively affect those who are already struggling. Parents may object because they have concern for their child’s mental health. Also, considering the size of the monetary investment that they are paying, parents may worry that their child wont be able to manage, and the money will have been wasted.
Employers on the other hand are looking for students to be experts in their field, and want characteristics such as leadership and work ethic in job candidates. Increasing the workload may produce more qualified candidates and would be better for business. Some parents may also take this view because they know that hard work will pay off in the long run, and that while it may not be fun to study, its what is best for the future.
As a student currently living in the traditional college experience, I plan on providing personal narrative about how my life is affected by my coursework, and how I feel about increasing it. Also, required classes and university curriculum might be something to consider, along with the advantages and disadvantages of a liberal arts education.