Reserve Officers Training Corps
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based, military officer commissioning program. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics.
The trustees controversially banned the group from Columbia following the 1968 protests, and they have not allowed it to be reinstated on campus. It is, however, available to Columbia students through cross-town programs at Fordham University (Army) and Manhattan College (Air Force). Student Affairs maintains a website with information on these programs.
Pro-ROTC arguments
- ROTC Cadets may receive full scholarships, allowing students without means to attend Columbia.
- ROTC Cadets are guaranteed a job upon graduation.
- Summer internships and other training opportunities.
- Change the armed forces from within by producing Columbia educated officers.
- Students should have the right to attend ROTC classes at Columbia, just as they may at many other schools.
- Little to no cost to university.
Anti-ROTC arguments
- Lack of interest.
- Scholarship opportunities no longer compelling due the changes in financial aid policies.
- Military courses are not academically rigorous and do not merit academic credit.
- Tacit endorsement of warfare has no place in an academic setting.
- ROTC is a costly program.
- Congressional Don't Ask Don't Tell law contravenes anti-discrimination policies.
- * This issue in particular has proved to be the sticking point at Columbia. Irrespective of the merits of the program, the university has a stated policy requiring all groups to accept members of any sexual orientation. ROTC does not.
