<p>The document elucidates some of the salient problems present in Bucknell’s culture. If you’re a prospective student or parent who is concerned about the social or intellectual aspects of Bucknell, you should read through the report (it’s long). The report certainly presents the University in a manner which differs from that found in information sessions, campus tours, or pamphlets. College is an expensive investment, and I think it is important that students have a more realistic view of the University before deciding to apply or enroll.</p>
<p>I came across the same report when my son was thinking of applying to Bucknell, and I actually felt better about the school after reading it. The report was commissioned a year ago by the new President of Bucknell. The report addresses the problems on campus and proposes solutions to make the campus a better place. I, for one, am glad that the school decided to face these problems head on and try to fix them instead of just sweeping them under the rug and pretending they dont exist. Furthermore, President Bravman made this report public, which he certainly didnt have to do.</p>
<p>Kudos to the school for commissioning the report and for releasing it.
But also interesting that many of the issues reported should have been very self-evident and acted upon much sooner:</p>
<p>“*The most significant problems include:</p>
<p>Fraternity and sorority activities dominate the campus social life.</p>
<p>Recommendation 3: Reduce the dominance of Greek life at Bucknell.*”</p>
<p>I knew one person who attended Bucknell and one person who taught there. The impression I got was that if Bucknell were any more Greek it would be located in the Aegean.</p>
<p>I sent the link to my D (who graduated from Bucknell this past May) wondering if she’d seen it. She was surprised that it had been released to the public - but evidently the report caused quite a stir on campus when it was released. I’ll quote D’s email response to me (with her permission, as long as I caveat with the fact that it was written quickly while eating a sandwich on her lunch break…)</p>
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<p>Interesting observations from a student. YMMV.</p>
<p>I thought it was interesting what President Bravman had to say about the campus climate report. The following quote is from an update to the campus community in November of 2011 (Sorry, I don’t know how to put the quote in a box).</p>
<p>“Some Bucknellians have asked me, understandably, if there is any risk to the reputation of Bucknell by this openness. My simple answer is that today in America these problems are unfortunately common, and that as a result there are basically only two kinds of universities: those that have problems like these and hope they go away, and those that confront them openly. I know from talking with many of you, with parents, and with our alumni which institutions we all would most want to attend or entrust with our child. In the end, thanks to your involvement in this open dialogue, this great University, which makes us all proud in so many ways, will become even better.”</p>
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<li>Left-bracket, the word quote, right-bracket</li>
<li>paste in the text</li>
<li>Left-bracket, forward slash, the word quote, right-bracket</li>
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<p>My daughter who graduated earlier this year told me a few things about her greek experience. She has never been interested in the alcohol scene so the drunk behavior at the frat house parties kept her out of most of them. She chose to be in a sorority which for her worked out well. She was in a sorority that seemed to recruit the girls that were more like her so for that she was able to meet a larger number of girls. They are a close group and have a deep connection as "sorority sisters’. She is quiet and reserved and knows that being in the sorority helped her personally gain confidence, have social and community experiences to form tight friendships that she might not have had otherwise. I know she had other friends outside of the sorority that she met thru classes and “choice” so she was able to straddle both!
She did participate in most of the Bucknell events that had nothing to do with the frats which I feel Bucknell does a lot of as compared to other colleges. She enjoyed the concerts, Basketball events, comedians, BU after dark, dances, etc.<br>
Looking back, she had a great experience at Bucknell because there was always something to do outside the alcohol scene. She developed deep friendships because there are A LOT of smart, nice, mature and wonderful kids at Bucknell. Her academic experience and opportunities were TOP-NOTCH too.
Although the Greek system does have a strong presence I applaud Dr. Bravman for the task efforts to explore how to keep the values of the Greek community alive while trying to deal with the alcohol and social related issues that ALL colleges have to face even if there is no Greek system.<br>
Dr. Bravman is a great President and we feel he will do great things for Bucknell and continue to make us proud to have had a child graduate from there.</p>