Let me explain the two basic foundations for my return to college. First, I want to learn new art techniques and grow as an artist. Yes, a degree in graphic design from a state university would be awesome, but that is not my number one priority. I have been working in the design industry for years and none of that was attributed to a piece of paper from any college. Secondly, I'm affording tuition due to my GI Bill funding that I earned through military service. It only lasts two years so I have to make the most of it and learn as much about art as I can. That being said, WSU refuses to accept my English 101 and College Algebra credits. I've gone from department to department and everyone just keeps shuffling me along and washing their hands of me. I know it's just two measly classes but they have already cast aside most of my credits from Virginia. I will not let them bend me over the barrel this time.
The English department does not believe that CLEP (
College Level Examination Program) exams prepare students enough for English 102. Hence, they are not accepted. The asinine thing is, I took 102 this semester at WSU and passed with an A. Now they want me take 101 because I never should have been cleared by my student adviser to take 102 in the first place. I went to the assistant director of the English department, swallowed my pride, and tried to plead my case. I explained that I barely have enough school funding from the government to get my Bachelors and that I couldn't afford tuition otherwise. Her response was that Butler (a community college here in Wichita) has cheap classes and that I could go there to take English 101. Wow, really? She might as well have said go away poor person. The second issue is a ridiculous technicality. I took College Mathematics and not College Algebra. Come on WSU, these are basic skills general education classes. Why is this even a fight?
When I was getting my degree in photography from Tidewater Community College in Virginia, it seemed a lot less full of filler. I took relevant classes and I didn't have to jump through hoops left and right. Of course there were prerequisites, but TCC seemed to cater more towards those that wished to learn. It's like WSU is primarily worried about the formalities and bureaucracy of the degree rather then helping people better themselves.
I'm going to try to talk to the dean next and if that doesn't work, I'll just walk. If they don't care about their students enough to be understanding in extenuating circumstances, then I don't want to be under their flag anyways. I'll take my money and dedication elsewhere.
