Students Say Weekend Activities Are Limited

Lamesha Green/ Whetstone

Sr Korey Thompson, Sr Dwayne Glass, and Sr Mike Notabartolo sit outside Parker Library

By: Orlando Rodriguez (Whetstone Contributor)

Wesley College students say there’s a reason why the campus seems empty every weekend: many of them live close to home, doing their laundry is cheaper, the food is better off-campus and there’s just not very much to do anyway.

“We really don’t have much to do or offer on campus.” said Travis Ragland, a senior at Wesley College.

Providing activities on campus is a dilemma for administrators.

“Most students who attend Wesley College live in close states like Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania,” said Evita Wade, the head of the student activities board. “Since they are all within a couple of hours away, it is easier and cheaper for them to find transportation home and back.”

Some students have suggestions.

“Lowering laundry prices and putting a little more love in the food would be a good start,” said Chea Sloh, a junior law major. “Basically, just give the students what they want, a time of their lives after a hard week’s worth of classes.”

Some students say Wesley’s small size and lack of a recreation center work against it, so many go elsewhere for parties and other activities, including Delaware State University, University of Delaware and off-campus parties.

“It is more fun on other college campuses like DSU and UD,” said Justin James, a sophomore at Wesley College. “They have a larger number of students than we do. Also they throw open parties which attracts other students from other schools and since Wesley does not offer what they offer, we spend most of our free time on their campuses.”

New students also are still dependent on those back at home.

“Home for most students, especially freshmen, is their one and only place of comfort,” Chea Sloh said. “They are able to get everything they need accomplished without any delays. Also back at home is where they have all of their family and friends.”

A few students enjoy their weekends on campus.

“I do not mind staying on campus during the weekends,” said Dyamond Ruffin, a junior football player at Wesley. “With most students being gone, it allows me to focus on my academics, lowers my chances of getting in any sort of trouble and by being here at school I have the privilege of being independent.”