Student Life Without Senior Students?

The University of New Brunswick is undergoing a review as part of a strategic planning exercise and Tony Bates, an e-learning and distance education consultant, was invited to campus as part of the process.  He published some of his thoughts, including recommendations, on his blog (found via Stephen's Web). 

I am intrigued, but not necessarily surprised, by one of his recommendations as it could influence student life on the UNB campus: "A gradual move from almost entirely face-to-face courses in first year programs to hybrid or fully distance programs in the fourth year undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as develop more online non-credit certificate or diploma programs focused on the lifelong learning market."

Take a moment to imagine a campus with less senior students. For the students themselves school becomes more flexible. Money could be saved if a student has to travel less and live at home. For a school less space is needed which could also result in a cost savings and at the very least space could be reallocated for other uses. For student life I do not foresee cost savings, but having a smaller number of senior students means fewer job applications, fewer opportunities to mentor younger students and fewer students to participate in activities. In short, the student experience will change - which is not necessarily bad, but it is important to examine the implications.

I also see an opportunity to use a new model opening up if some student life activities can be moved online. For instance, many thriving communities exist online, just as on campus, and directing resources to using Web 2.0 tools to create student life has potential. With education evolving, like it is at UNB, it is important for student affairs' professionals to consider recommendations being made. Furthermore it is even more important to participate in the dialogue, whenever possible, so students, faculty and decision maker's have an opportunity understand how changes will impact all aspects of a student's experience.