Sacramento State: the commuter school. With so many commuters it has been hard for Sac State students to build a sense of campus. It is hard to get involved.

Over the years commuting has been to blame. It is assumed that students drive to campus, go to class, and then leave. In theory driving somewhere else on off time.

Perhaps there is another cause for this lack of community. All campuses have some commuters and many of those have a vibrant campus scene.

Out of the five colleges I have attended Sac State has been different in this respect: This school has always struggled with building a campus community. The reason is simple, mandatory class attendance.

How many events have I missed out of fear for my grades? How many great public speakers have waltzed right through campus, lecturing with mind opening exuberance to an audience of empty chairs?

Where was I?

I was in my 3 p.m. class slapping myself trying to keep awake.

This school has so much culture to offer, but students don’t have time for it.

Most student’s schedules are so tight that they must choose between class and activities.

Professors hijack this choice by requiring class attendance, even if the material will not show up on the test.

This sizeable minority of professors fall into the category of owning a god complex and dictating every minute of your day.

More timid, inexperienced professors who fear that no one will show up to class unless forced should not be teaching. They must think they can’t compete with policy wonks and wealthy businessmen. Lecturers like this cannot draw huge crowds every week.

Do professors have the children (pardon), students in mind?

Even if you have never taken lecture notes you can still pass a class with a late night study session. Apparently, learning is less important than being present.

Students like to, and need to participate in activities outside classes. Mandatory attendance doesn’t always have our best interest in mind.

In high school our mommies had to write an excuse note if we were sick. Now we need a doctor’s note. In cold and flu season we come to class and infect each other. That packed schedule makes even getting to the Student Health Center difficult.

Professors think mandatory attendance policies ensure that students are getting their money’s worth. The only one that can truly know how much I should expect for my money is me. I don’t need that decision being made for me.

Slackers might stop showing up to class if it weren’t required, however, they pay for that right and can choose to fail if they wish. Holding our hands all the way to graduation prevents us from taking part in campus life when it suits us.

The next time the lack of Sac State culture irks you reconsider juvenile attendance policies.

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