According to Kennesaw State University, blocks “[ensure] that every first-year student starts their academic pursuit on the right foot.” However, issues with starting blocks are causing more harm to new students than good.
For the upcoming Fall 2024 semester, KSU implemented “Starting Blocks” for freshman registration. These blocks are groups of basic, prerequisite courses required for most upper-level classes and graduation. Incoming freshmen are now required to register for a block corresponding to their major before being able to pick individual courses. The program was made with the benefit of new students in mind, but its continuation may lead to more difficulty with registration.
Dual enrolled (DE) students, who earn college credits in high school, are one of the groups most impacted by the new program. Starting blocks are useless to duel enrolled students who already have up to 24 general education credits under their belts by freshman year. Registration blocks may impede their progress since it would limit registration options and prevent DE students from getting ahead of their core requirements.
Similarly, blocking negatively affects Advanced Placement (AP) students with transferring credits. A similar problem to duel enrolled students emerges since high scores on AP exams cover basic science, language and history classes that make up most starting blocks.
Although both groups are ahead in terms of credits, their choices are hindered by the new institution of blocks. In the face of this registration change, DE and AP courses are not the advantage they once were.
The program also affects freshmen socially. Each block has the same students in all its courses to encourage making friends. However, the sectioning limits exposure to other people or groups, especially if they commute or live off campus.
KSU already has many resources for students to make connections, most notably FLIGHT, student organizations and events on the Green. As a social program, starting blocks are excessive and should be optional.
Blocks aside, incoming freshmen are already dealing with enrollment and registration issues. The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) pushed back its deadline from January to April, and students nationwide are still waiting for awards and grants.
Without knowing the extent of their financial aid, incoming freshmen are left guessing the number of classes that will be covered. Implementing such a drastic change in registration is a mistake among the problems with FAFSA and enrollment.
An important part of college is the independence that comes with registering for classes and customizing a path to success. However, without a choice in registration, freshmen will not be allowed to gain that independence.
While some students struggle to register for the right classes, academic counselors are available to keep them on track. Much like the social opportunities on campus, KSU currently offers a plethora of advising services that make the block system inferior in comparison.
Starting blocks can be an extra resource for those who need help with registration, but it only causes more problems when required for all first-year students. Each student has different interests and needs, and their academic paths vary greatly; forcing all freshmen to use blocks limits their academic freedom and social development as they enter the university.
The required block system is unnecessary, dismissive of DE and AP Students and a waste of the resources already provided to students.
