This week's blog is about an article I read in the New York Times September 11th edition. The title is "On Campus, It's One Big Commercial". In a nutshell, the article discussed how companies such as American Eagle Outfitters and Target are using students to market their products or services, but to do so in a brilliant (if you support it) or devious (if you don't) way. On large campuses, representatives from these companies will in some ways take the role that campus orientation leaders usually take in assisting students with directions, checking in, making sure they have everything they need, etc.
I must admit that I had some conflicting emotions as I read this. The academic in me that sees a college campus as perhaps the last stand against the tide of commercialism was dismayed at this intrusion of capitalists in a place that should be a shield from the onslaught.
The administrator in me wondered "how can we get in on some of this action, and perhaps use it to our advantage".
The entrepreneur in me wondered "how can I get involved in this, and perhaps utilize it for a future idea of my own"? Terrible, I know. But I had to admit I had such thoughts.
The fascinating quotes from college officials admitted that the institutions involved were not handling this new situation very adeptly, but I can't help but wonder if, in the face of budget problems there may be an effort in the future to tap into this commercial effort for the benefit of the institution (and of course the inevitable arguments that will follow regarding how much of college is being taken over by the creep of corporate influence.
I'm not sure yet where I'll land in this argument. I'm sure the internal dialogue will continue.
Curtis 9-18-11
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