SENIORS AND JUNIORS ONLY

Upon those members of the classes of 1922 and 1923, who have received notifications of their appointments as student advisors, rests a definite responsibility; by tacitly accepting the positions, they assume a duty to their advisees; above all, the success of the scheme depends entirely upon them.

Often in the past the value of the student advisor system has been questioned, in many cases, justly. This year, an effort has been made to secure the cooperation of the Student Council in organizing the work, with the result that the plan starts on a sounder basis than ever before. But without the cooperation of the men appointed as advisors the system is bound to fall.

To many, the whole thing seems rather useless and these have urged that the scheme be allowed to die a natural death. But certainly this should not be done unless it is definitely proved that the Seniors and Juniors are hopelessly incapable of carrying their share of the work, for the system fills a very real need.

In the first place, there are limits to the usefulness of the deans and the faculty advisors. They cannot, because of the nature of their positions, know intimately all of the students for whom they are responsible. In many cases, students do not give them an opportunity to offer the advice, which, nevertheless, may be much needed. On the other hand, a fellow student can be approached much more easily and on a more friendly basis; particularly in regard to matters seemingly too insignificant for discussion with a member of the faculty.

The sphere of influence of the student advisors has two main aspects. To begin with, he can do much to aid in the transition between preparatory school and college. By helping his advisee to organize his work, to develop a more mature attitude toward his studies, and to plan his courses carefully, the student mentor can supplement the efforts of the faculty authorities. There is also a very great opportunity to assist men in the choice of their outside activities. This duty falls primarily upon the student body, and is quite properly outside the sphere of faculty supervision.

Seniors who are tempted to complain of this added responsibility should recall the numerous perplexities and mistakes of their freshman year. If they had had some definite person to question, some one intimately acquainted with their problems, these mistakes would have been fewer and less costly. The advisory system provides a method of giving this very useful advice.

Whether or not the system, revamped and just put into operation, will do the good that may be expected of it depends on one thing; an honest effort from the Senior and Junior advisors. Without that we might as well decide at once to do away with the system; with that we can look, for real results--which is all that constitutes success in this case.