Wharton 101 students rate program's success

Assess mandatory community service class As Wharton 101 comes to an end this week, many wonder if the mandatory course for all Wharton freshmen has been a success. The course, in its second year, is designed to teach freshmen communications and leadership skills, as well as involve them in the community. Along with classroom experience, the students also manage a project that provides service and support to the community. One group of students held a Halloween party for Philadelphia children. "I think this will show students the pleasures and rewards that come through community service," said Michael London, director of Wharton undergraduate leadership programs. "We had a great reaction from the community when we got 500 students out there." Many changes have been made in the course since its trial run last year, he said. "We have changed the focus of the course to teamwork and although it is a non-credit class, we have raised the standards for passing," London said. Other changes will include smaller groups, a more intellectually-based curriculum and better organization, he said. As the course winds down, London said although things still aren't perfect, Wharton 101 has been a success. "They have learned so much," he said. "Those who gave a lot got credit for it and those who didn't learned that they have to participate in a group setting." London said Wharton officials are preparing an extensive evaluation of the program but can already tell that it was more successful than last year. "I imagine that we'll keep making changes but the basic idea is now stable," he said. Teaching assistant and Wharton sophomore Rachel Bluth said she feels the changes made in the course since she was a participant have improved it. "It is a lot more organized now and more skill based," she said. "They learned communication skills and how to manage a group." Bluth said she thinks the students have gained skills they will appreciate in the long run, even if they don't realize it now. "I think [Wharton 101] is absolutely going in the right direction," Bluth said. "The class needs to be more active, the students need to be practicing now what they are learning in the classroom." Bluth said attendance was at 100 percent nearly all of the time and students really seemed to like the class "I liked it," said Wharton freshman Vicki Li. "It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be" Li said she really enjoyed throwing the Halloween party. "My project was interesting and you learn to work with other people," she said.