The Ethicist

Author: Amanda Greene

I love when Middlebury students host parties. It's refreshing to see common spaces that are often scattered with books, laptops and dining hall cookies filled with people and dancing. The transformation that suites undergo, from living spaces to hubs of late night activity, is fun to watch. Recently, I've observed a number of notable (and discussion worthy) party host and party attendee interactions. Example one, a friend-of-a-friend walks into a party and is greeted by a perplexed glance and a less than enthusiastic hello. Friend-of-a-friend nervously shuffles her feet and stands awkwardly in the corner, sweating in her winter coat and scarf. Example two, friend of a friend unintentionally crashes an intimate gathering that was thrown as a way to help someone get over her ex boyfriend. The grieving girl finds herself crying in front of an acquaintance and is now upset and embarrassed. It seems that Middlebury students need a crash course in party propriety.

If you're hosting a party, be prepared to host a party. Don't seem shocked when people actually show up and expect to be greeted with friendly faces and beverages. When you casually invite people over you are opening up your home and you should be aware that individuals you don't know will attend. On this campus, it is assumed that parties are open to friends-of-friends. I'm not suggesting that students in need of plans should follow the music or the masses but I hope that Midd-kids who indirectly arrive at a party are comfortable and welcomed.

That said, if you want your party to be an intimate gathering, publicize this! Invite people and emphasize that they should bring only their person. Make it clear that you are celebrating a particular event or a particular person's birthday. If the host is clear about his intentions, the party will not exceed capacity. Happy mingling!

And now for this week's question:

Q: I'm a senior and class registration is approaching. Next semester one of my classes will be my thesis, but I cannot register for it. My adviser has told me to add my thesis with a card in the spring. This means I am able to register for four classes, although I will only enroll in three of them. Is it ethical for me to register for all four knowing that I will drop one?

- Confusion-Concerning-Class-Choice

A: You may register for all four classes if you desire. It is not your fault that your thesis cannot be entered in Bannerweb at this point in time, and next semester will be your last at Middlebury. You have spent, I'm sure, plenty of registrations crossing your fingers and anxiously keying in CRNS hoping that there is space and you are entitled to benefit from your academic seniority. If you had three requirements that you must take it would be unfair to register for an additional class but if you feel that your preferences might shift over December break then feel free to experiment with your spring schedule.

Want to consult the ethicist? Send submissions to amgreene@middlebury.edu