Arrupe placements: optional or mandatory?

By Marcos Moreno

My high school had a community service requirement which mandated that every student complete a certain number of hours in a community service program before graduation. A similar program exists here at Santa Clara. Many instructors work with the Arrupe Center, now called the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education, to place students in service programs which both promote community outreach and provide experience relevant to the class curriculum.

But that's not all. The Arrupe Center also hosts immersion trips which allow students to travel within California, the United States, or even outside the country and learn about "marginalized populations." It's a good way to visit another part of the country or another country altogether and experience solidarity with the people there.

The difference between my high school's program and Santa Clara's is that here, community service is voluntary. But some students and faculty would like that to change and see every student participate in at least one Arrupe placement or immersion trip. This is not surprising since community outreach is a founding principle of Santa Clara and a strong component of the Jesuit ideal. However, this would label such activities with the nasty m-word: mandatory. Is a change of this magnitude fair to the students?

Students may have the right to complain. Another requirement is a huge hassle, and most would agree that we already have enough to worry about. Religious studies classes, lab sciences, third writing requirements, ethics, math- If the work doesn't burn you out, then the stress will. Moreover, for many students academic stress is compounded by extra-curricular activities and jobs on and off campus. Although I support helping the community, participation in Arrupe programs is something I think should be kept fairly optional."The Arrupe Center works to actively engage the Santa Clara University community in the realities of the lives of the marginalized and the poor through service and reflection," claims the Center's page on Santa Clara's website. This of course is a good thing; it should be the basis of all community service.

To get an idea of the type of "community" to which we are trying to relate, you might want to take a look around Santa Clara. You don't have to look far. There are people who are living in shelters and people who collect cans from open dumpsters just to make money -- people who are generally ignored.

The Arrupe Center aims to heighten awareness of the plight of these people, and students can help in many ways, from helping kids with homework or assisting adults struggling in a bilingual classroom, to something as simple as spending time with someone. People need to know that someone is there for them and it becomes a volunteer's job to be that person.

The Ignatian Center can teach students what they could never learn in a classroom. The real world is a scary place and where many people suffer daily from malnutrition, disease, homelessness, or many other problems. Reasons for not participating in Arrupe programs may seem petty and selfish in comparison to the loneliness and desperation many people consider simply a part of living. Students reading this might feel guilty for not doing something positive in the community. But as persuasive as guilt is in motivating people to act, it's not a very fair tactic.

There are sound arguments for both sides. Should the administration seriously consider amending the role of Arrupe placements, students need to be ready to speak out -- whether or not they are for or against a "mandatory placement" regulation.

Many of the students I've talked to were unhappy with the idea of required community service. They feel that time constraints are already too great to allow another obligation from the university. I'm apt to agree with them. But a few people confided that they have no problem with Arrupe placements. These students are amazed that a student graduating from a Jesuit university could go all four years without ever participating in any sort of community action program, especially since community outreach is such an important component of Jesuit education. Creating mandatory participation would eliminate students from avoiding direct work with the community.

For now the issue is still in the air. But here are some final thoughts:

Maybe this isn't a choice that should be made entirely by the administration. I believe students should have a say in the decisions the university makes. After all, it is our tuition that allows the institution to exist. If Arrupe placements or immersion trips are activities that have affected you, share it. Student dialogue is always appreciated. And if you are someone who has fallen through the cracks and avoided this kind of community participation thus far, watch out -- you may not be able to avoid it much longer.

Marcos Moreno is a junior English major.