Issue date: 2/10/09 Section: Opinion

I was surprised when I read the recent mail call of the Feb. 5, 2009 running of The Battalion. I mainly wanted to address the anger displayed by the advisers. I believe that they seem to think students are lazy and unwilling to realize the responsibilities that come with being a college student. However, I believe they are shifting the blame toward students when in fact they should be particularly upset with their own colleagues. The reason being is that in order for a growing opinion that advisers are not correctly doing their job cannot be a myth. I have met countless students that have told me horror stories about their advisers. For example, one adviser questioned a student's ability to take a class. Basically, you're not smart enough to take this class. Is this the advice you would like to receive when going to a meeting with your only guidance at Texas A&M? If you want a real shocker, why not ask the student body to send in to The Battalion all the stories of negative advising they have received since attending A&M. You say there are two sides of the coin, so why not listen to the other side and find a common ground to fix the problem instead of instantly coming back with insults?

I am sure there are many advisers who are fantastic and I am positive that I have had some as well. However, this does not excuse the fact that there are some not living up to their job description. In business, if you're not living up to your potential or you are not doing the job required of you, I am quite sure there are not many second, third and so on chances. I believe it is the responsibility of the advisers to notice these pathetic attempts at advising and to hold those accountable. Otherwise, the bad advice will continue and these mixed opinions will never be unanimous.

I know that by calling the majority of students lazy at A&M, it really makes all of you look like the more responsible one right? I mean that's akin to calling each other names at an elementary playground. Also, if you're going to act high and mighty you might want to prepare your rebuttals better. Preparation is everything and if you cannot tell me what classes I should take, do you think my degree audit is going to tell me? If this is not part of your job description then that is fine, you do deserve to be angry. However, I am quite sure you are paid to assist in answering the questions that are not answered in the course handbook.

In addition, do you think that your attitudes have made anything better? Why can you not realize that the article was not meant for the advisers who are doing a fantastic job but for those who are continuing to make the rest of you look bad? So do not blame your lack of advising on the number of students attending A&M and the few advisers responsible for handling the masses. Blame it on yourselves for not holding your colleagues accountable and for not doing what you are supposed to. Or even better, ask the University for more help. Also, do not blame The Battalion for running your rebuttals because regardless of professional journalism, I probably would not have run them either.

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