A former colleague introduced me to the following show on a rainy afternoon:
Now, as a former Hall Director, many of the stories I watched unfold were not surprising. Issues with students who had too much to drink, the occasional bust for carrying/smoking marijuana, and the common noise complaint. As I watched, I laughed, rolled my eyes, cheered for the police, and cheered for the students. It was much like a car wreck when you just can’t look away, but I found myself wondering if the motive behind this show really matches up with good student affairs ethics.
The website says Campus PD, “takes viewers along for the ride with officers on duty to capture firsthand all the mayhem and excitement they take on night after night when student fun spirals out of control.” But should we really be promoting these actions/behavior from our students by televising this? And before you say that the show isn’t promoting this behavior, realize that someone connected to student affairs had to sign off on this to shoot on campus. (And I’d be curious to know what dollar figure came with those contracts.) A visit to the shows direct website contains a “highlight reel” of great moments. (Quick, someone call the Admission Office, I see a great view book photo opportunity!)
I’m not saying we have to hide the behavior of our students. It would be misleading to give the impression that students do not consume alcohol, that drugs are not present on our campuses, or that students don’t make poor decisions. However, I believe we signed on to our jobs to help guide students, not become profiteers of their poor decisions.
