Banter Bureau Advice Column: Captain Questions
Dear Captain Questions,
Wow! You submitted not one, not two, but four questions! Thank you for your interest in the Bureau! Here are your questions:
“Why does USJ not have a theater department? What are your opinions on turning the lounge spaces in Madonna into Quads? Do you wish USJ had more arts programs such as a band, choir, or theater department? What majors do you think USJ should have that are not offered?”
Interestingly enough, there used to be a theater club on campus named Queenes Company run by Dr. Zelinsky. However, the club ended in fall of 2021 and Dr. Zelinsky has since retired. Supposedly there were very few members involved in the club, which caused it to shut down. We also must take into account that USJ is a small school with limited clubs. If you would like, you can start a theater club! To continue, the school does have a choir affiliated with Campus Ministry and a singing club called Songbirds! If you are interested in those you can contact the student activities or see them in McGovern by the cafeteria.
Second, many returning residents are upset with the fact that there is limited lounge space in the dorms. This sentiment has been shared across the board on campus. Some rumor that there are petitions to bring back the lounge spaces and remove the quads to limit and prevent over-admittance. Personally, I believe that bigger and better lounge spaces would bring the campus together, increase student involvement with activities around campus, and provide more space to socialize and make new friends!
Because USJ is a small school, many majors that could have been offered at other schools, at UCONN for example, are not available. Therefore, to answer your last question, USJ has most likely pooled their funding into slowly building up the majors and programs we already have available. To find a solution, you can try and speak to your advisor to see if you are eligible for an independent study.
There are plenty of opportunities for you on campus, despite anything that USJ may not have. If there’s a change you want to see on campus, you can try to find a way to bring it about on your own. You have the power to create clubs and make a change, and other students might also benefit from your efforts!
Thanks for all of your questions,
