The Prattler Issue #02
Editor-in-Chief: Lucille Pratt Art Directors: Sayaka Ueno & Nina Bishop Advisors: Michael Kelly & Sean Kelly theprattler.weebly.com
5
8 Jobs for College students by Lana DiCostanzo
6
Shake Downs and Break Downs Part I by Sam Borek
8
Economics at Pratt by Josephine Cheng
10
How (Not) to Make Money on Campus by Bea Hostman
Letter From the Editor Let’s get down to business, to defeat.... the loans! Money! We want it, we NEED it, we owe it. Our generation has a national average of 35,000 in debt and granted, if we came out of Pratt with that little we’d probably have a missing kidney, so how do we manage? Bankruptcy doesn’t stop you from paying student loans and neither does the fact that for many, entry level now means unpaid intern. I’m not saying The Prattler figured out these things, but a conversation needs to be started- one that doesn’t end in Financial Aid roadblocks and increased tuition without knowing where that money goes. Hopefully, this issue will help start that.
XOXO, Lucille
article by Lauren Woodard
Bet that got your attention didn’t it? I wish I could tell you the above statement was true, but it’s not. However, I am happy to inform you there are colleges that charge no tuition. If you’re interested, you just have to move out of the country. Norwegian state universities and colleges as a rule don’t charge tuition. 50-100 dollars in semester fees is likely all you’ll be charged, unless you take specialized master’s level courses. Private institutions in Norway of course charge tuition fees, but they’re relatively low, especially when compared to schools in the United States. In Sweden college students don’t have to pay tuition either. Up until 2010, this applied to international students as well. Now students must be from a Nordic country, Switzerland or a European Economic Area, since taxpayers fund the higher education. Up until 2005 in Germany, universities were banned from charging tuition; despite the lift most German universities only ask for a small fee of about 50 euros ($63.80 USD). The average German student spends 500-800 Euros in total costs each year: that’s only 638-1020 dollars. You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you this information, it’s not because I want to depress you. It’s just interesting information to consider, and if being an i nternational student appeals to you, here’s your golden opportunity. There’s no other school like Pratt though. The price is astronomical but if you really love it here, why not try to hold on for four years that may determine the rest of your life?
3 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
4
You Gotta’ Work for It by Lana DiCostanzo
Free College!
$42,866.00
3
Free College! by Lauren Woodard
“Hi! Welcome to Pratt Institute, where you will receive your undergraduate education for free — that’s right, no tuition fee, no strings attached.”
Editor-in-Chief: Lucille Pratt Art Directors: Sayaka Ueno & Nina Bishop Advisors: Michael Kelly & Sean Kelly theprattler.weebly.com
5
8 Jobs for College students by Lana DiCostanzo
6
Shake Downs and Break Downs Part I by Sam Borek
8
Economics at Pratt by Josephine Cheng
10
How (Not) to Make Money on Campus by Bea Hostman
Letter From the Editor Let’s get down to business, to defeat.... the loans! Money! We want it, we NEED it, we owe it. Our generation has a national average of 35,000 in debt and granted, if we came out of Pratt with that little we’d probably have a missing kidney, so how do we manage? Bankruptcy doesn’t stop you from paying student loans and neither does the fact that for many, entry level now means unpaid intern. I’m not saying The Prattler figured out these things, but a conversation needs to be started- one that doesn’t end in Financial Aid roadblocks and increased tuition without knowing where that money goes. Hopefully, this issue will help start that.
XOXO, Lucille
article by Lauren Woodard
Bet that got your attention didn’t it? I wish I could tell you the above statement was true, but it’s not. However, I am happy to inform you there are colleges that charge no tuition. If you’re interested, you just have to move out of the country. Norwegian state universities and colleges as a rule don’t charge tuition. 50-100 dollars in semester fees is likely all you’ll be charged, unless you take specialized master’s level courses. Private institutions in Norway of course charge tuition fees, but they’re relatively low, especially when compared to schools in the United States. In Sweden college students don’t have to pay tuition either. Up until 2010, this applied to international students as well. Now students must be from a Nordic country, Switzerland or a European Economic Area, since taxpayers fund the higher education. Up until 2005 in Germany, universities were banned from charging tuition; despite the lift most German universities only ask for a small fee of about 50 euros ($63.80 USD). The average German student spends 500-800 Euros in total costs each year: that’s only 638-1020 dollars. You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you this information, it’s not because I want to depress you. It’s just interesting information to consider, and if being an i nternational student appeals to you, here’s your golden opportunity. There’s no other school like Pratt though. The price is astronomical but if you really love it here, why not try to hold on for four years that may determine the rest of your life?
3 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
4
You Gotta’ Work for It by Lana DiCostanzo
Free College!
$42,866.00
3
Free College! by Lauren Woodard
“Hi! Welcome to Pratt Institute, where you will receive your undergraduate education for free — that’s right, no tuition fee, no strings attached.”
$42,866.00
You Gotta’ Work for It
4
8
Jobs for College students article by Lana DiCostanzo art by Tina Yu
BABYSITTER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF YOUR OWN BUSINESS.
In other words, do you. You’re a Pratt Student, which means there’s an 80% chance you have actual talent! Utilize your gift and start your own company and pray to Baby Jesus that it makes you rich… or financially manageable, at least.
COSTUMED CHARACTER OR “PROFESSIONAL” PRINCESS
DONATE SPERM OR OTHER BODILY LIQUIDS.
BINGO MANAGER
A Sabbat Goy is a Gentile employed in a Jewish household to perform religiously forbidden services on the Sabbath-Day. Those services include pushing buttons and flicking switches. Actually, if we employed a Sabbat Goy to every gentile schmuck too lazy to shlep across the living room to turn off a light switch, we could actually increase the employment rate while, simultaneously, lowering energy waste! Oy!
Be one of those creepy characters that touches tourists in Time Square, but, for a kids birthday party… and without the molestation, of course.
All you have to do is make sure old people don’t cheat and/or fall asleep in bingo. Professional Bingo Managers make roughly $56,000 a year, which is, ironically, our tuition cost. Coincidence? I think not.
SOMMELIER
A professional wine drinker? Yes, please! You have to pass an extensive exam that takes years of studying the finest wines. But, start studying now. Like, right now. And by study I mean, go buy a bottle of the finest wine product your bodega offers.
According to Spermbank. com, donors get about $125 per donation, equaling $1500 a month by donating three times a week. No, seriously.
SABBAT GOY
S&M CALL OPERATOR
Take your frustrations out on someone who wants it… who really wants it… and make about $20/hr.
5 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
I saw this on craigslist so it must be legit: babysit a16year-old during the week including overnights. But I’m pretty sure after 14 it’s no longer referred to a “babysitting.” I think it’s more along the lines of “escorting.” But, whatevs.
$42,866.00
I talk to my parents and realize that back in the day, college students went to school in the fall and spring and worried about money during the summer. I also get the notion that tuition was like $2 and rent in New York was free. I’m a modern-day Pratt Student which means my tuition is somemy mind. I think of how I could’ve stayed home in where around a billion dollars and, for about a Georgia, where reading and writing skills are limquarter million I can rent a walk-in closet comited, blessed, and highly favored. I could’ve gone monly referred to as an “apartment.” Thus, I’ve to DeVry or any other fiscally responsible institucome to the understanding that I will never be able tion. I have friends who pay $1500 or less in tuition to afford anything ever again. I’m a full-time stucosts at state universities. They have jobs just as dent working 60 hours a week. Despite my work basic as mine and yet can afford cars, houses, and hours, I maintain a 3.8gpa. As extreme as my sitguacamole at Chipotle among other luxuries. If uation may seem, I’m sure its not unique, and as you’re a member of the 99%, like me, you the middle class continues understand my grief. to shrink, I’m afraid stories But I have something my buddies back similar to mine will become home don’t have, cahoonas. I have the balls more common. article by Lana DiCostanzo to be broke has become a daily mantra of It’s an ugly catch-22; we mine. I’ve come to believe success is about have to enter the work force making compromises and I’ve comproin order to afford the degree that will mised money, security, and common allow us a better position in the work “I might not be sense for something more important… force. Students can’t be students in happiness. I know, its cliché but it’s true. the city; a more apt title would be able to afford I’ve compromised the blasé life for New Super Employed Collegiate ExtraorYork. I may not afford to do laundry, but dinaire. I’m not merely a student; I’m Dough, but if I I might see some guy in underwear doing a barista/hostess/student. I get maywait until they’re a homeless rendition of Drake’s “Started be 30 hours of sleep per week (hence, From the Bottom.” I might not be able to the city that never sleeps motto) and about to close afford Dough, but if I wait until they’re can maybe squeeze in about one meal about to close and make puppy dog eyes and make puppy a day. I’ve spread myself thinner than through the window they might give me the last bit of Speculoos Cookie Butdog eyes through one out of pity. I’m like a kid at F.A.O ter, but it’s what I, and many other Schwartz; I may not be able to afford a students, have to do to live in New the window they lot but I’m still thoroughly amused and York. I would be lying, however, if I might give me I make it work. The city isn’t easy but if said I’ve never doubted my decision it doesn’t kill you it makes you a better to live in the Big Apple, but, if you one out of pity.” hustler and, for that, I’m grateful. can make it here, you can make it So, in a way, I’m proud to say I’m a anywhere, right? full time student and I work 60 hours a week beI think a more suitable motto would be, you cause I’ve managed to make it in Gotham City, no can make it anywhere easier than here. I’m going Batman. It’s the concrete jungle where dreams are to an art school to be a writer in New York City. made of and, simultaneously, the stuff that make There’s no pot of gold at the end of this reading up nightmares. It’ll drive you crazy but that’s ok rainbow. I’m not guaranteed a secure job postbecause everyone here is. I’ve chosen to go to Pratt grad. I’m not even guaranteed a job five years from in hopes of gaining an illustrious career as a sucnow. Coming to New York to pursue a career in cessful writer (go ahead, laugh). I, as well as many writing or any other art means passing up on fiof my fellow Pratt Cats have made our futons and nancial security and the thought weighs heavily on now we must lie in it. Just remember, when life in the city gets to you and your bank account start resembling your show size, just repeat to yourself, I have the balls to be broke.
$42,866.00
You Gotta’ Work for It
4
8
Jobs for College students article by Lana DiCostanzo art by Tina Yu
BABYSITTER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF YOUR OWN BUSINESS.
In other words, do you. You’re a Pratt Student, which means there’s an 80% chance you have actual talent! Utilize your gift and start your own company and pray to Baby Jesus that it makes you rich… or financially manageable, at least.
COSTUMED CHARACTER OR “PROFESSIONAL” PRINCESS
DONATE SPERM OR OTHER BODILY LIQUIDS.
BINGO MANAGER
A Sabbat Goy is a Gentile employed in a Jewish household to perform religiously forbidden services on the Sabbath-Day. Those services include pushing buttons and flicking switches. Actually, if we employed a Sabbat Goy to every gentile schmuck too lazy to shlep across the living room to turn off a light switch, we could actually increase the employment rate while, simultaneously, lowering energy waste! Oy!
Be one of those creepy characters that touches tourists in Time Square, but, for a kids birthday party… and without the molestation, of course.
All you have to do is make sure old people don’t cheat and/or fall asleep in bingo. Professional Bingo Managers make roughly $56,000 a year, which is, ironically, our tuition cost. Coincidence? I think not.
SOMMELIER
A professional wine drinker? Yes, please! You have to pass an extensive exam that takes years of studying the finest wines. But, start studying now. Like, right now. And by study I mean, go buy a bottle of the finest wine product your bodega offers.
According to Spermbank. com, donors get about $125 per donation, equaling $1500 a month by donating three times a week. No, seriously.
SABBAT GOY
S&M CALL OPERATOR
Take your frustrations out on someone who wants it… who really wants it… and make about $20/hr.
5 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
I saw this on craigslist so it must be legit: babysit a16year-old during the week including overnights. But I’m pretty sure after 14 it’s no longer referred to a “babysitting.” I think it’s more along the lines of “escorting.” But, whatevs.
$42,866.00
I talk to my parents and realize that back in the day, college students went to school in the fall and spring and worried about money during the summer. I also get the notion that tuition was like $2 and rent in New York was free. I’m a modern-day Pratt Student which means my tuition is somemy mind. I think of how I could’ve stayed home in where around a billion dollars and, for about a Georgia, where reading and writing skills are limquarter million I can rent a walk-in closet comited, blessed, and highly favored. I could’ve gone monly referred to as an “apartment.” Thus, I’ve to DeVry or any other fiscally responsible institucome to the understanding that I will never be able tion. I have friends who pay $1500 or less in tuition to afford anything ever again. I’m a full-time stucosts at state universities. They have jobs just as dent working 60 hours a week. Despite my work basic as mine and yet can afford cars, houses, and hours, I maintain a 3.8gpa. As extreme as my sitguacamole at Chipotle among other luxuries. If uation may seem, I’m sure its not unique, and as you’re a member of the 99%, like me, you the middle class continues understand my grief. to shrink, I’m afraid stories But I have something my buddies back similar to mine will become home don’t have, cahoonas. I have the balls more common. article by Lana DiCostanzo to be broke has become a daily mantra of It’s an ugly catch-22; we mine. I’ve come to believe success is about have to enter the work force making compromises and I’ve comproin order to afford the degree that will mised money, security, and common allow us a better position in the work “I might not be sense for something more important… force. Students can’t be students in happiness. I know, its cliché but it’s true. the city; a more apt title would be able to afford I’ve compromised the blasé life for New Super Employed Collegiate ExtraorYork. I may not afford to do laundry, but dinaire. I’m not merely a student; I’m Dough, but if I I might see some guy in underwear doing a barista/hostess/student. I get maywait until they’re a homeless rendition of Drake’s “Started be 30 hours of sleep per week (hence, From the Bottom.” I might not be able to the city that never sleeps motto) and about to close afford Dough, but if I wait until they’re can maybe squeeze in about one meal about to close and make puppy dog eyes and make puppy a day. I’ve spread myself thinner than through the window they might give me the last bit of Speculoos Cookie Butdog eyes through one out of pity. I’m like a kid at F.A.O ter, but it’s what I, and many other Schwartz; I may not be able to afford a students, have to do to live in New the window they lot but I’m still thoroughly amused and York. I would be lying, however, if I might give me I make it work. The city isn’t easy but if said I’ve never doubted my decision it doesn’t kill you it makes you a better to live in the Big Apple, but, if you one out of pity.” hustler and, for that, I’m grateful. can make it here, you can make it So, in a way, I’m proud to say I’m a anywhere, right? full time student and I work 60 hours a week beI think a more suitable motto would be, you cause I’ve managed to make it in Gotham City, no can make it anywhere easier than here. I’m going Batman. It’s the concrete jungle where dreams are to an art school to be a writer in New York City. made of and, simultaneously, the stuff that make There’s no pot of gold at the end of this reading up nightmares. It’ll drive you crazy but that’s ok rainbow. I’m not guaranteed a secure job postbecause everyone here is. I’ve chosen to go to Pratt grad. I’m not even guaranteed a job five years from in hopes of gaining an illustrious career as a sucnow. Coming to New York to pursue a career in cessful writer (go ahead, laugh). I, as well as many writing or any other art means passing up on fiof my fellow Pratt Cats have made our futons and nancial security and the thought weighs heavily on now we must lie in it. Just remember, when life in the city gets to you and your bank account start resembling your show size, just repeat to yourself, I have the balls to be broke.
6
article by Samantha Borek
Institute Technologies Fees
Academics Facilites Fees
Student Activites Fees
part time student According to Student Involvement, this added up to about one million in funds to be divided up amongst the many activities at Pratt. More than a quarter of the money accounts for salaries for the full and part time staff within the department. Then there’s the $43,750 that allows Pratt students to enjoy such attractions around NYC as the Whitney Museum and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. When it came to club funds last year, SGA was allotted $126,000 to be divvied up amongst the clubs. There is somewhat of a limit on how much clubs can spend, but it’s pretty much determined on a need basis. Queer Pratt, for example, hires celebrity judges for the annual drag race while the Salsa club may get a few bucks here and there for food budget. It’s hard, though, to want to go to these events on campus to get your money’s worth. There’s not only homework and other obligations, but the fact that no one wants to go to Pratt sponsored “rave.” To really get the bang for our buck here, we need to speak up and ask for activities that do interest us as students. At the same time, we do have to recognize that we get a lot of perks for a $139 fee. As a human being in New York you would never get free access to the New York Times, the Brooklyn Museum, AND catch a glimpse of Bianca del Rio for such a sum. In all this investigation, though, I found that the budget only goes down to a certain rung on the Pratt ladder. What about student workers (who frankly need to be paid more) who care for the labs, maintenance (again more pay), and other “housekeeping” we may not think about as students? But when I see a new clock being erected or new grass being put in, I can’t be naïve enough to continue to assume that pay for the labor is high on the hierarchy of Pratt needs. Institute Technologies is another mysterious unicorn of a fee. With about $1.4 mil invested in the vague term of “technologies” you’d think we’d get the best internet services and that there would be plenty of Cintiqs to go around. I will explore this fee further in part two of this article which will be posted on our website. What kind of internet services are we paying for? Does the fee cover new tech in the labs? Is there enough tech to go around? For more budget breakdowns check theprattler.weebly.com.
7 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
Shake Downs and Break Downs Part 1
Log into your MyPratt account. Peruse the yellow sidebar until you see the Academic Tools option. Now, locate your tuition bill and scan for mysterious charges. Maybe you never thought of the lab fees and activities fees as being mysterious before now, but as someone who doesn’t have a need for all of the campus resources that I’m charged for, I definitely find them odd and presumptuous on Pratt’s part. In this four part article, that is to be further explored through the Prattler site, I want to inform the students of what these invisible charges are. When asked, the students agreed that they wanted to be apprised of what they’re actually paying for. “I don’t like that it’s a surprise,” Alex Stewart, a senior illustration major, said. “Student services fees? I had no idea!” Let’s break down these what I like to call “monetary assumptions” and see just how much you have to use Pratt resources to get your money’s worth. How much CulinArt food does a student have to consume at a Pratt function to warrant a $139 fee? Why are writers charged a $350 “academic facilities fee” when they don’t even have their own studio or lab spaces? Pratt enrolls 4,627 combined graduate and undergraduate students. It breaks down like this for the 2014-2015 year: Student Activities fees: $139 Academic Facilities fees: $350 Institute Technologies fees: $300 Student health services: $180 Now multiply all those figures by 4,627 and you’ll get: $643,153, $1,619,450, $1,388,100, $832,860 respectively. Add these all together and you get a combined $3,733,989 in addition to the millions made off of tuition. Again, these are my own figures based off my own tuition bill. There are many other factors to consider. In part one of this extended essay we will stick to breaking down only one of these fees. For now, let’s look closer at student activities. I spoke with Emma Legge, the Director of Student Involvement, who gave me a further break down of the activities fee using the statistics from the 2013-2014 academic year. First, there’s a discrepancy between what undergrads and grads pay and also between part time and full time students. Undergraduates, per semester: $135 per full time student $80 per part time student Graduates, per semester: $100 per full time student $80 per
$42,866.00
$42,866.00
Student Health Services Fees
6
article by Samantha Borek
Institute Technologies Fees
Academics Facilites Fees
Student Activites Fees
part time student According to Student Involvement, this added up to about one million in funds to be divided up amongst the many activities at Pratt. More than a quarter of the money accounts for salaries for the full and part time staff within the department. Then there’s the $43,750 that allows Pratt students to enjoy such attractions around NYC as the Whitney Museum and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. When it came to club funds last year, SGA was allotted $126,000 to be divvied up amongst the clubs. There is somewhat of a limit on how much clubs can spend, but it’s pretty much determined on a need basis. Queer Pratt, for example, hires celebrity judges for the annual drag race while the Salsa club may get a few bucks here and there for food budget. It’s hard, though, to want to go to these events on campus to get your money’s worth. There’s not only homework and other obligations, but the fact that no one wants to go to Pratt sponsored “rave.” To really get the bang for our buck here, we need to speak up and ask for activities that do interest us as students. At the same time, we do have to recognize that we get a lot of perks for a $139 fee. As a human being in New York you would never get free access to the New York Times, the Brooklyn Museum, AND catch a glimpse of Bianca del Rio for such a sum. In all this investigation, though, I found that the budget only goes down to a certain rung on the Pratt ladder. What about student workers (who frankly need to be paid more) who care for the labs, maintenance (again more pay), and other “housekeeping” we may not think about as students? But when I see a new clock being erected or new grass being put in, I can’t be naïve enough to continue to assume that pay for the labor is high on the hierarchy of Pratt needs. Institute Technologies is another mysterious unicorn of a fee. With about $1.4 mil invested in the vague term of “technologies” you’d think we’d get the best internet services and that there would be plenty of Cintiqs to go around. I will explore this fee further in part two of this article which will be posted on our website. What kind of internet services are we paying for? Does the fee cover new tech in the labs? Is there enough tech to go around? For more budget breakdowns check theprattler.weebly.com.
7 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
Shake Downs and Break Downs Part 1
Log into your MyPratt account. Peruse the yellow sidebar until you see the Academic Tools option. Now, locate your tuition bill and scan for mysterious charges. Maybe you never thought of the lab fees and activities fees as being mysterious before now, but as someone who doesn’t have a need for all of the campus resources that I’m charged for, I definitely find them odd and presumptuous on Pratt’s part. In this four part article, that is to be further explored through the Prattler site, I want to inform the students of what these invisible charges are. When asked, the students agreed that they wanted to be apprised of what they’re actually paying for. “I don’t like that it’s a surprise,” Alex Stewart, a senior illustration major, said. “Student services fees? I had no idea!” Let’s break down these what I like to call “monetary assumptions” and see just how much you have to use Pratt resources to get your money’s worth. How much CulinArt food does a student have to consume at a Pratt function to warrant a $139 fee? Why are writers charged a $350 “academic facilities fee” when they don’t even have their own studio or lab spaces? Pratt enrolls 4,627 combined graduate and undergraduate students. It breaks down like this for the 2014-2015 year: Student Activities fees: $139 Academic Facilities fees: $350 Institute Technologies fees: $300 Student health services: $180 Now multiply all those figures by 4,627 and you’ll get: $643,153, $1,619,450, $1,388,100, $832,860 respectively. Add these all together and you get a combined $3,733,989 in addition to the millions made off of tuition. Again, these are my own figures based off my own tuition bill. There are many other factors to consider. In part one of this extended essay we will stick to breaking down only one of these fees. For now, let’s look closer at student activities. I spoke with Emma Legge, the Director of Student Involvement, who gave me a further break down of the activities fee using the statistics from the 2013-2014 academic year. First, there’s a discrepancy between what undergrads and grads pay and also between part time and full time students. Undergraduates, per semester: $135 per full time student $80 per part time student Graduates, per semester: $100 per full time student $80 per
$42,866.00
$42,866.00
Student Health Services Fees
Economics at Pratt
8
art by Atinooch Jungwiwattanaporn
international students contributed $24 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 300,000 jobs during the academic year of 2012–2013 alone — a near 10% increase in dollars and 6.2% increase in job support and creation from the previous year. Besides boosting economic value, the increase in awareness of global perspectives and improvement of relationships between countries are benefits that affect both domestic and international students alike. To investigate the advantage of having a large multi-cultural population, researchers at Duke conducted a survey of 5,600 American graduates to explore the extent to which they interacted with students from outside the U.S., and the overall impact this had on their development during undergraduate years. Results indicated that beyond expected findings such as enhanced understanding of different cultures and ability to speak a foreign language, a range of cognitive skills were also positively influenced. Among these were the capacity to question personal beliefs and values, formulation of new creative ideas, integration of ideas and information, and gain of in-depth knowledge in a specific field. As a whole, graduates who reported higher levels of interaction with international students showed signs of “significantly higher levels of skill development,” an outcome that reflects how encountering people with contrasting backgrounds and ideas produces “cognitive disequilibrium,” a catalyst for intellectual growth. As such, international diversity can and has been used as a tool to attract domestic students with global interests. David Jamieson-Drake, the director of institutional research at Duke, points out that it is not enough to toss international students into the system without doing much to promote critical interaction between them and locals. The issue of why it is not that easy to stir the mixing pot is that for many who study internationally, the payoff is being able to secure a more advantageous job back home after the college years are up. Funds paid to an
art by Marina Vissing
overseas institution are directly related to the probability of being seen as prestigious or more successful outside of the U.S., and more often than not it is this prospect of recognition that justifies the many paychecks and money orders sent across countries. Never mind your actual progress during time at school or that you have yet to write a coherent essay in your own words! At least you were able to pay for and pass classes that will eventually grant you that certificate of graduation. No one has to know about your (lack of) aptitude in English or reluctance to speak anything besides your native language. What really matters is you are now on the right track to landing a decent job back home wherever you came from! In this world, there is a consensus that money is power. To varying degrees, economic wealth is a one-way ticket to a realm of far less constraint and way more flexibility. Investing some serious cash into four years at Pratt and then submitting a wordfor-word duplicate essay from a five second Google search for your English 101 class means that this institute is richer, your professor is questioning which way his moral compass is pointing, and you still haven’t learned how to formulate a structured body of text. The writing center exists for a reason; it is an expulsion-free guarantee to complete assignments and receive guidance to make that five-page essay seem a lot less nerve-wracking. Your fifty thousand dollars is helping Pratt become better — now let it pay you back with better essays, happier professors, and ultimately a more informed you.
9 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
It’s been said that education is priceless, but the price tag on it has become increasingly steep in recent years. Paying for tuition is a financial burden in itself — add the New York City cost of living into the mix and you may either have to drop out of school or become homeless. While financial aid is available to U.S. citizens attending Pratt, international students generally go through college without any monetary help, paying upwards of $50,000 per year. Between many academic institutions and the students who come from overseas to attend them, there is an unspoken acknowledgment that a substantial amount of money is exchanging hands and, as a result, a blind eye may be turned on issues such as plagiarism and academic integrity. Situations that would be grounds for suspension or expulsion for a local student may be swept under the rug for an intercontinental student — after all, those fifty thousand dollar bills coming out of your parents’ wallet are what keeps the school running! How else do you think they keep the lawn so green? For most of us students, plagiarizing is probably way more trouble than simply sitting down and making a little effort. However, although the act of taking someone else’s work and passing it off as your own seems like an obvious Don’t, the ethical conundrum is understandable. Awareness that this behavior is wrong is very much there, but the temptation to take the easy way out can be hard to resist when it feels like you are exempt from the rule. This is also not to say teaching faculty at Pratt condone letting academic dishonesty go unscathed, or even that it is a common occurrence. Some professors would be aghast at the suggestion that they would consider letting the academic code of conduct slide for those that pay a little more — well, okay, a lot more — than others. Professor Sean Kelly of the Writing Program noted that the dilemma is a matter of finding the balance between realizing a student’s struggle with an assignment and maintaining standards regarding academic misconduct. Failing a student who cannot speak English well let alone form multiple sentences into paragraphs for a five-page essay benefits no one, even if it is the right thing to do. According to Bloomberg Businessweek,
$42,866.00
$42,866.00
article by Josephine Cheng
Economics at Pratt
8
art by Atinooch Jungwiwattanaporn
international students contributed $24 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 300,000 jobs during the academic year of 2012–2013 alone — a near 10% increase in dollars and 6.2% increase in job support and creation from the previous year. Besides boosting economic value, the increase in awareness of global perspectives and improvement of relationships between countries are benefits that affect both domestic and international students alike. To investigate the advantage of having a large multi-cultural population, researchers at Duke conducted a survey of 5,600 American graduates to explore the extent to which they interacted with students from outside the U.S., and the overall impact this had on their development during undergraduate years. Results indicated that beyond expected findings such as enhanced understanding of different cultures and ability to speak a foreign language, a range of cognitive skills were also positively influenced. Among these were the capacity to question personal beliefs and values, formulation of new creative ideas, integration of ideas and information, and gain of in-depth knowledge in a specific field. As a whole, graduates who reported higher levels of interaction with international students showed signs of “significantly higher levels of skill development,” an outcome that reflects how encountering people with contrasting backgrounds and ideas produces “cognitive disequilibrium,” a catalyst for intellectual growth. As such, international diversity can and has been used as a tool to attract domestic students with global interests. David Jamieson-Drake, the director of institutional research at Duke, points out that it is not enough to toss international students into the system without doing much to promote critical interaction between them and locals. The issue of why it is not that easy to stir the mixing pot is that for many who study internationally, the payoff is being able to secure a more advantageous job back home after the college years are up. Funds paid to an
art by Marina Vissing
overseas institution are directly related to the probability of being seen as prestigious or more successful outside of the U.S., and more often than not it is this prospect of recognition that justifies the many paychecks and money orders sent across countries. Never mind your actual progress during time at school or that you have yet to write a coherent essay in your own words! At least you were able to pay for and pass classes that will eventually grant you that certificate of graduation. No one has to know about your (lack of) aptitude in English or reluctance to speak anything besides your native language. What really matters is you are now on the right track to landing a decent job back home wherever you came from! In this world, there is a consensus that money is power. To varying degrees, economic wealth is a one-way ticket to a realm of far less constraint and way more flexibility. Investing some serious cash into four years at Pratt and then submitting a wordfor-word duplicate essay from a five second Google search for your English 101 class means that this institute is richer, your professor is questioning which way his moral compass is pointing, and you still haven’t learned how to formulate a structured body of text. The writing center exists for a reason; it is an expulsion-free guarantee to complete assignments and receive guidance to make that five-page essay seem a lot less nerve-wracking. Your fifty thousand dollars is helping Pratt become better — now let it pay you back with better essays, happier professors, and ultimately a more informed you.
9 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
It’s been said that education is priceless, but the price tag on it has become increasingly steep in recent years. Paying for tuition is a financial burden in itself — add the New York City cost of living into the mix and you may either have to drop out of school or become homeless. While financial aid is available to U.S. citizens attending Pratt, international students generally go through college without any monetary help, paying upwards of $50,000 per year. Between many academic institutions and the students who come from overseas to attend them, there is an unspoken acknowledgment that a substantial amount of money is exchanging hands and, as a result, a blind eye may be turned on issues such as plagiarism and academic integrity. Situations that would be grounds for suspension or expulsion for a local student may be swept under the rug for an intercontinental student — after all, those fifty thousand dollar bills coming out of your parents’ wallet are what keeps the school running! How else do you think they keep the lawn so green? For most of us students, plagiarizing is probably way more trouble than simply sitting down and making a little effort. However, although the act of taking someone else’s work and passing it off as your own seems like an obvious Don’t, the ethical conundrum is understandable. Awareness that this behavior is wrong is very much there, but the temptation to take the easy way out can be hard to resist when it feels like you are exempt from the rule. This is also not to say teaching faculty at Pratt condone letting academic dishonesty go unscathed, or even that it is a common occurrence. Some professors would be aghast at the suggestion that they would consider letting the academic code of conduct slide for those that pay a little more — well, okay, a lot more — than others. Professor Sean Kelly of the Writing Program noted that the dilemma is a matter of finding the balance between realizing a student’s struggle with an assignment and maintaining standards regarding academic misconduct. Failing a student who cannot speak English well let alone form multiple sentences into paragraphs for a five-page essay benefits no one, even if it is the right thing to do. According to Bloomberg Businessweek,
$42,866.00
$42,866.00
article by Josephine Cheng
10 11 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
Think of all the cash that’s just sitting around campus! What if you sold yourself as an event planner to all those people who just bought day passes from you? Rent out the chapel for weddings, the lawn for concerts, and even the garden for photo-shoots. Tell all prospective buyers that they need to provide all decorations and equipment and just rake in the cash.
Campus Events
TONS of people love the Pratt Cats. Put them all in cages and create a mini cat show for the low-low price of just ten dollars! People will be lining up for days! Just make sure you feed them. No one wants to see a dead cat, that’s a totally different show.
Pratt Cats
COME SEE THE AMAZING TATTOO-LESS ART STUDENT! THE MAGNIFICINT NAKED MODEL! ANYTHING IS EXCITING IN ALL CAPS! Exploit your friends! Does your roommate have weird birthmarks? Do they sleep naked? Would they notice hoards of people filing into your room to see them? Charge admission! Make money!
Student Sideshows
You’ve probably heard about the porno that was shot in the library, right? No? Well, I’m not here to tell you about that, but I will tell you how to profit from it. Take tours into the library and casually mention adult films. Sure enough, some guy will definitely come up to you afterward and ask to “borrow” the setting. Money. Made.
Porn
Do you know some weird facts about campus? Are you comfortable talking to crowds? No? Then don’t do tours. Yes? Then go for it! Forget all those boring tours. You and I both know that you could do much better. Make up stories for different areas of campus that are WAY COOLER. Maybe that cannon is haunted by the souls of military men. Or, maybe that anvil above east hall isn’t actually attached to anything and whomever it falls on gets a full ride scholarship. Make it up as you go!
Campus Tours
Make your own classes! Do you know a lot about the Marvel Universe? Teach a class about it! All you have to do is use open classrooms at night! No biggie, right? If you are good at self-promotion, you should have no problem getting a full classroom every week, and watching movies and reading comics? Best Class Ever!
Classes
Want to sell stuff on craigslist? Don’t have stuff? Look around Pratt! Notice a bike that’s been there a little too long? Put it on craigslist! (Some lock cutting may be required. Invest in some bolt cutters) Do you have access to the shops on campus? Sell some tools! Or clay! Or wood! Whatever! Package the plastic utensils in new boxes and sell those! Technically, our tuition pays for all of these things (except the bikes) so why wouldn’t we use them to their full potential?
Craigslist
Don’t you hate it when you see non-students walking around campus? Turn those unsuspecting families into profit. Next time you see someone on campus that is obviously not a student, ask him or her if they have a day pass. If they say no, its time to make some money. Let them know that there’s a day pass charge of $5 to enjoy the beautiful view of campus, and watch that money roll in. And don’t forget the stroller tax.
$42,866.00
Campus Admission
$42,866.00
How (Not) to Make Money on Campus article by Bea Hostman
Disclaimer: Do not do ANY of these. They are probably all illegal.
10 11 Have something you think should go in the Prattler? Email us at theprattler@gmail.com
Think of all the cash that’s just sitting around campus! What if you sold yourself as an event planner to all those people who just bought day passes from you? Rent out the chapel for weddings, the lawn for concerts, and even the garden for photo-shoots. Tell all prospective buyers that they need to provide all decorations and equipment and just rake in the cash.
Campus Events
TONS of people love the Pratt Cats. Put them all in cages and create a mini cat show for the low-low price of just ten dollars! People will be lining up for days! Just make sure you feed them. No one wants to see a dead cat, that’s a totally different show.
Pratt Cats
COME SEE THE AMAZING TATTOO-LESS ART STUDENT! THE MAGNIFICINT NAKED MODEL! ANYTHING IS EXCITING IN ALL CAPS! Exploit your friends! Does your roommate have weird birthmarks? Do they sleep naked? Would they notice hoards of people filing into your room to see them? Charge admission! Make money!
Student Sideshows
You’ve probably heard about the porno that was shot in the library, right? No? Well, I’m not here to tell you about that, but I will tell you how to profit from it. Take tours into the library and casually mention adult films. Sure enough, some guy will definitely come up to you afterward and ask to “borrow” the setting. Money. Made.
Porn
Do you know some weird facts about campus? Are you comfortable talking to crowds? No? Then don’t do tours. Yes? Then go for it! Forget all those boring tours. You and I both know that you could do much better. Make up stories for different areas of campus that are WAY COOLER. Maybe that cannon is haunted by the souls of military men. Or, maybe that anvil above east hall isn’t actually attached to anything and whomever it falls on gets a full ride scholarship. Make it up as you go!
Campus Tours
Make your own classes! Do you know a lot about the Marvel Universe? Teach a class about it! All you have to do is use open classrooms at night! No biggie, right? If you are good at self-promotion, you should have no problem getting a full classroom every week, and watching movies and reading comics? Best Class Ever!
Classes
Want to sell stuff on craigslist? Don’t have stuff? Look around Pratt! Notice a bike that’s been there a little too long? Put it on craigslist! (Some lock cutting may be required. Invest in some bolt cutters) Do you have access to the shops on campus? Sell some tools! Or clay! Or wood! Whatever! Package the plastic utensils in new boxes and sell those! Technically, our tuition pays for all of these things (except the bikes) so why wouldn’t we use them to their full potential?
Craigslist
Don’t you hate it when you see non-students walking around campus? Turn those unsuspecting families into profit. Next time you see someone on campus that is obviously not a student, ask him or her if they have a day pass. If they say no, its time to make some money. Let them know that there’s a day pass charge of $5 to enjoy the beautiful view of campus, and watch that money roll in. And don’t forget the stroller tax.
$42,866.00
Campus Admission
$42,866.00
How (Not) to Make Money on Campus article by Bea Hostman
Disclaimer: Do not do ANY of these. They are probably all illegal.
Writing “Just ya average writing major... smokin’ cigs and contemplating.” i
Maeve Norton ComD Senior
P R A T T ’ S Industrial Design “ID majors build substantial things too, just at a different scale.” Rhea Gopal 3rd Year Architecture
E X Q U I S I T E Architecture “They hate to admit that they don’t shower.” i
Brian O’Donnell and Maya Filmeridis Undecided Freshmen
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Digital Arts “011001100110010101100 0100110010011011001010 (They are so plugged in!)” Benjamin Rebeille Senior Interior Design
An exquisite corpse constructed by students’ impressions of other majors. Contribute to the next issue’s corpse by emailing us at theprattler@gmail.com!