In theory, the Ignatian Residential College sounds wonderful. It really does. The concept of young adults coming together to share ideas and ambitions through not only classroom experience, but also outside lectures and trips, is something that will prove beneficial to the select students of the program. And from what Thomas Regan S.J. and Rev. Jim Mayzik S.J., the directors of the college, promise, it will better the Fairfield University community as a whole, as well.
In my mind, the most exciting aspect of the program are the classes being offered. Fairfield is finally beginning to push the envelope a bit with classes that challenge students to evaluate their very own ideas on faith, understanding and self-awareness. And there is nothing more Jesuit than having a true sense of self.
I do, however, have some concerns. I cannot speak for the entire student population here, but I have always felt that my experience at Fairfield has given me much of what was mentioned above. I’ve chosen my friends based on who they are and what they offer me. We share things everyday, from living quarters to favorite literature. My classes and professors stimulate my learning and my ambition on a daily basis as well. I’m not really sold on the idea of having this sort of structured group of people who live, breathe and learn together. Some of my favorite people on this campus are those who I thought weren’t worth my time, until I sat next to them at a class or shared the bathroom sink with them in Regis.
Further more, I worry about elitism, although I have been told that the Ignatian Residential College will go to extremes to prevent it. The program consists of a “select” group of Sophomores. It’s there, trust me. I chose Fairfield because, among other Catholic schools, we stand out as not being elitists. Having people belong to one social network is going to create an atmosphere on campus that others will not respond well to, including myself.
This does not mean that I do not approve of the Ignatian Residential College. The classes are appealing to me and I hope that other students, beyond those who are in the program, will be able to attend…if there are extra spaces available for them.
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