As I strolled down Telegraph Avenue last Sunday on my way to Moffitt Library with my backpack weighing down on me, I was almost jealous of the sidewalk vendors I passed by. They chatted idly with one another in the sun, as my shoulders sagged under the 20-pound economics textbook in my bag.
After I talked to long-time vendor Diana Yoshida though, I realized I was not the only one with this misconception.
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Some students are speculating that Haas’ decision to toughen its policy on a mandatory summer session for its acceptees is financially motivated.
“I had heard after talking to a few professors that in comparison to other business schools, Haas sees low rates of alumni contribution,” said Victor Ho, a senior at Haas and a member of business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. “If they make people feel like Haas is home, they may be more willing to donate after they graduate.”
Tuition costs for the summer courses are approximately $1200.
Erika Walker, the executive director of Haas’ undergraduate program, did not respond directly to this assertion in an e-mail, but wrote that the summer session helps students transition into the school by fostering class unity.
Students accepted into Haas this year argue that while class cohesion is important, the administration is dealing with this issue in the wrong way.
“There are a lot of other ways to bring people out and unite the community without forcing them to decline their summer internships,” said Christopher Lin, a sophomore choosing between Haas and an internship with Merrill Lynch.
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