September 20, 2007
Don't sell to us during class; it's for learning
Solicitors should not be allowed in UM classrooms. On Tuesday History of Rock and Roll 133L was interrupted by a woman who worked herself into a frenzy describing a volunteer program in Australia. She stood in front of about three hundred people, threw her hands in the air and began selling her program like an auctioneer. Sure it was brief and even mildly entertaining but students are bombarded with people telling them what to buy and what to do everyday. The classroom must act as a sanctuary.
Although this was an isolated incident it sets the precedent that UM students are open game for marketers even while in class.
I have nothing against volunteer work, students traveling abroad or even the woman, who seemed to have a real zest for life, but there are many ways to attract attention on campus without invading the classroom. For example: advertise in the Kaimin or on KBGA, set up a table in the UC, post flyers on various kiosks or, my personal favorite, fly an airplane over campus with a giant banner attached to the back (on second thought I don’t endorse this one either).
Danny Bobbe
Senior, print journalism
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