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Ask the Experts

Going Gap

My parents and I strongly disagree about my taking a gap year. Shouldn’t I be able to make my own decision?


When you ask your parents what you should do with your life, you reveal the answer. You do not have the self-confidence and maturity to make your own decisions. College propels you into the real world and requires you begin to making choices. If you are unsure, perhaps that is exactly the reason why you need a gap year.

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Healthcare Hurdle

Across the country, international students are part of the student body. Do they qualify for Obamacare?


In answering your question, I am trying to surmise whether you are a Trump supporter or opponent. The answer is no, they do not receive it. That satisfies your question, but the issue is much larger: how do international students afford and access health care in the U.S.?

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Let’s Go Clubbing

I was involved with clubs in high school, for fun and socializing. I am thinking ahead about my resume and job hunting. Which are the best groups to join that will help me get a job?


Your question shows that you clearly understand the value of networking for your future. Research studies showed that over 70% of professionals accept a new position with a company where the individual already has a contact. Beyond networking, the experience alone gained from participating in a club, organization or association is educational and valuable.

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Medical Migrant

Next semester I will be studying in Asia. My parents want all possible medical issues handled before I leave. Are they worrying too much?


The quick answer is that you are not worrying enough. Around 35,000 American students will be studying in Asia during this academic year. Preparing for student travel abroad is a maze of ‘what if’ questions. You have medical insurance, but you do not speak the local language and do not know where to find the nearest hospital. This situation means you did not properly plan in advance.

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Ringside

Two students had a vicious fight in one of the dorms. I heard no life-threatening injuries. Now what happens, the college gets sued?


The tone of this question reflects a larger theme of our modern society: who pays. Political pundits even attribute this phrase to President Trump’s interpretation of foreign policy. Fortunately, you said there were no life-threatening injuries. Since the incident occurred on campus, the college will likely be named as a defendant. Let us overview how laws and judges determine liability.

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Transfer Two-Step

I know several people that transferred to another college. What is wrong with our school?


Sounds like you are satisfied with college life here and your friends may have felt the same. They are probably not running away, but transferring to another college that better meets their needs. We will give you an overview of transfer statistics and reasons which will surprise you.

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Volunteer Vitality

I had more time to volunteer before college. When I get a job, are many companies supportive of volunteering?


We always appreciate a question that is motivated by a desire to help someone else. Volunteers complain about a college gap, where studies overwhelm their schedules and leave little time for community involvement. You should not be surprised to learn that companies both small and multinational often have direct ties to volunteer activities. The media concentrates on corporate financial pursuits, rather than recognizing charitable ones.

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And Baby Makes Two

I feel a bit isolated and ignored, because I have child at college. Do I qualify for any help from the school?


We want to discuss your question, because over 26% of U.S. undergrads are raising a child. You are hardly alone in your struggle. Learning from other campus moms, we found the main issue is lack of recognition from colleges to provide: student health services, childcare and financial aid. Finding out what resources and benefits are available will reconnect you to campus life.

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A Sad Truth

As a student, I have seen alcohol abuse and several classmates become depressed. I have not seen any action by the university. Why does our school have a passive policy on these issues?


This question should be posted at nearly every university. Nationwide, over 1,800 students die every year from alcohol-related incidents and over 600,000 are injured as a direct result of excess consumption. Depression and suicide can be the final chapter for others, without counseling. So why is the response administrative torpor to America’s long-standing social problems?

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Athletic Abandon

Our fraternity has several athletes on scholarship. If they can no longer play, even with good grades, what happens to my friends?


Your question is touching because you omit the obvious. When you say your friends cannot play for their college teams, you mean they were injured on the field. This is a harsh reality of college sports, which does not offer the same financial compensation or protections of professional sports leagues. There are clearly rules protecting college athletes, but even ObamaCare does not cover medical expenses for many events. We will examine what protections college competitors receive by law, NCAA rule and even goodwill.