The Disparities Students Face on Campus
The modern generation of college goers are offered a multitude of benefits including freedom of speech, financial aid and advanced options in education. Although there has been a shift towards the betterment of academic achievement in higher education institutions, there remains a major disparity among students on campus. From homelessness and limited mental health support to abuse and poverty, not all college goers seem to be experiencing a fair share of generational freedoms and assistance. Confounding factors including race and socioeconomic status further exacerbate the problems encountered by many students at their enrolled institutions. An exploration of the incongruence in student groups encountered on campus reveals the significant efforts that must still be undertaken to assist in fulfilling real transformation and equality for all.
Homelessness on Campus
Being homeless is the last misfortune that you would expect to hear from a registered student attending a top campus in the States. A recent report issued by some of the prominent college applications has shown that almost 70Â 000 students seeking campus accommodation are homeless. It is incredibly unfortunate that many talented and naturally motivated students are living out of cars or on the streets while trying to pursue an education. The problem is not going to college. The problem is that students from tough economic backgrounds are not being provided the support they need.
What have become misconstrued are the cost for tuition and the costs to cover living expenses and daily needs. Homelessness also extends from its financial aspect to an intra and interpersonal one. Students who are homeless will not share their status with anyone and tend to keep to themselves.The result is an increase in the risk of depression, anxiety, shame and severe loneliness. Scholarships and student funding cover tuition, but for many who lack financial support, accommodation simply cannot be afforded. The student attending campus daily may be sleeping at a shelter, on the street or couch surfing.
Financial Woes and Insurmountable Debts
Apart from the cost for tuition and housing, campus student life does not come cheap. Expenses for college trips, advanced payments for meals along these travels and a need to fit in with fellow students, leave more people to rely on loans. Racial tensions are also high on campus with many learners of color from difficult socioeconomic backgrounds. The Center for American Progress has revealed that more black students borrow money and with much higher interest rates. This insurmountable student debt leaves many college goers at a severe disadvantage concerning first time home buying or starting their very own business upon leaving college.
Mental Health Support
Walking alongside your fellow student of color on campus, you may never realise discrepancies in mental health treatment that so many individuals experience. According to a study completed by the Boston University School of Public Health, there are major inequalities between the on-campus healthcare support non-minority and minority learners receive.
The significant impact of race, culture and politics on the campus experience of students makes access to student support a necessity. Unfortunately, fewer minority students receive diagnoses and treatment compared to non-minority students.
Substance Abuse at College
The use and abuse of substances such as opioids has risen dramatically on the college campus and surrounding dorms. Although many institutions are aware of the drug problems on campus, awareness programs and support campaigns are few and far between. This is owed to the stigma that advertising assistance for drug problems will have on the college image. Many parents have also expressed a negative view towards posters and outward advertising of drug support.
There is a major discrepancy between the reality of drug use and dependence on campus and the realization by the high-level education facility to openly provide and promote drug support services. More students are reporting the ease with which drugs can be found on campus. The growing number of claims of alcohol abuse and drug use remains in denial by most colleges.
