On Oct. 8, 2013 many students opened their school email to read that the renowned Chancellor’s Achievement Award has been discontinued. Since it was sent out to previous recipients of this award, the reactions consisted of disappointment and concern. Personally, having receiving this award, I was upset at the university’s decision and immediately knew that there would be negative consequences. Here are my four reasons as to why I think the university should revert their decision.
It decreases student’s motivation
I enjoy being recognized and feeling as though my hard work is appreciated. When I work extra hard in each of my classes and study a little more for my tests, I not only do it to better my experience in college, but to improve my role as a student at UNCW. Motivation is low in college–let’s accept that fact. Knowing that at the end of the semester you will receive an award recognizing your academic achievement reaffirms all of the hard work and gives us motivation throughout the semester. If all we get is a number [GPA] to represent our accomplishments, then I don’t think many students will be as motivated to do so well.
It goes against an academic institution’s standards
The letter states, “UNC Wilmington strives to recognize our students’ achievements in the most meaningful ways possible.” As with any academic institution, academic success is something that should be prided. After all, learning and succeeding in the classroom is what we attend school for. Taking away the highest recognition is not something that should be condoned from a university that encourages its students to be successful in their academics. I think that this discontinuation reverses those expectations and almost illustrates that academics are not held to a high standard.
It’s credibility is greatly decreased
Listing “Chancellor’s Achievement Award” on your resume is something that any student should be proud of. It demonstrates your academic success to future employers and provides you with a trait that distinguishes you from other applicants. When I graduate in two years and employers ask me why they can’t find information about that award, it could represent little to nothing. Grade Point Average can only mean so much once we graduate college, but an award can last a lifetime–unless it is discontinued.
There are ways to keep the award while saving the budget
Recognition is the number one reason that students want an award. We don’t have to have a scholarship or an awards banquet, as great as those are–just the title. The reasoning behind the discontinuation is to be “financially efficient,” which is completely understandable. Eliminating the financial portion can solve the problem, while still giving students the opportunity to receive an award. There are other things around campus that could be sacrificed in place of an academic forfeit because the education aspect should always be put first.
Taking away the highest academic award at UNC Wilmington is far from accepting. Students work hard each semester to make “A” grades and earn an award that can be cherished for a lifetime. As a university, academics should always be placed first, and that includes recognizing student’s success during college. I firmly believe that the removal of this award will have a lasting negative effect on the previous and future recipients.