Difference between revisions of "Reserve Officers Training Corps"
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'''Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)''' is a college-based, military officer commissioning program. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics. | '''Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)''' is a college-based, military officer commissioning program. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics. | ||
| − | + | ==Banishment from Columbia== | |
| − | == Pro-ROTC arguments == | + | The [[trustees]] controversially banned the group from Columbia following the [[1968 protests]], and they have not allowed it to be reinstated on campus. ROTC is, however, available to Columbia students through cross-town programs at [[Fordham University]] (Army) and [[Manhattan College]] (Air Force). [[Student Affairs]] maintains a [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/rotc website] with information on these programs. |
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| + | ==Return of ROTC?== | ||
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| + | Several attempts have been made to restore ROTC to campus. [[University Senate]] votes in the 1970s and mid-2000s both rejected such a move. A [[2008]] student survey on the issue, conducted by the Senate, appeared to have resulted in a narrow rejection for ROTC restoration once again. | ||
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| + | ===Pro-ROTC arguments === | ||
* ROTC Cadets may receive full scholarships, allowing students without means to attend Columbia. | * ROTC Cadets may receive full scholarships, allowing students without means to attend Columbia. | ||
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* Little to no cost to university. | * Little to no cost to university. | ||
| − | == Anti-ROTC arguments == | + | === Anti-ROTC arguments === |
* Lack of interest. | * Lack of interest. | ||
Revision as of 01:41, 3 December 2008
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based, military officer commissioning program. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics.
Contents
Banishment from Columbia
The trustees controversially banned the group from Columbia following the 1968 protests, and they have not allowed it to be reinstated on campus. ROTC is, however, available to Columbia students through cross-town programs at Fordham University (Army) and Manhattan College (Air Force). Student Affairs maintains a website with information on these programs.
Return of ROTC?
Several attempts have been made to restore ROTC to campus. University Senate votes in the 1970s and mid-2000s both rejected such a move. A 2008 student survey on the issue, conducted by the Senate, appeared to have resulted in a narrow rejection for ROTC restoration once again.
Pro-ROTC arguments
- ROTC Cadets may receive full scholarships, allowing students without means to attend Columbia.
- ROTC Cadets are guaranteed a job upon graduation.
- Summer internships and other training opportunities.
- Change the armed forces from within by producing Columbia educated officers.
- Students should have the right to attend ROTC classes at Columbia, just as they may at many other schools.
- Little to no cost to university.
Anti-ROTC arguments
- Lack of interest.
- Scholarship opportunities no longer compelling due the changes in financial aid policies.
- Military courses are not academically rigorous and do not merit academic credit.
- Tacit endorsement of warfare has no place in an academic setting.
- ROTC is a costly program.
- Congressional Don't Ask Don't Tell law contravenes anti-discrimination policies.
- This issue in particular has proved to be the sticking point at Columbia. Irrespective of the merits of the program, the university has a stated policy requiring all groups to accept members of any sexual orientation. ROTC does not.
