Real-world success is about more than a good job these days. And the U wants to make sure its students are prepared in every way possible.
“No one wants to be the old man at the bar. Now we have a fast and efficient way to avoid that fate.” said Greg Leatham, a U senior in business.
Leatham is the first student to sign up for the administration-sponsored dating service. Now only a few days old, the service’s bulletin board has been flooded by more than 200 messages.
“The response has been amazing,” said Patty Loveless, director of Career Services’ newest project.
Looking for a mate/date is a natural extension of the job hunt, according to Loveless. And email, databases and workshops can streamline both processes.
The service is open to all members of the U community.
Participants select potential dates based on brief descriptions. The two exchange documents, next they meet for five minutes, conversing quickly.
“Ideally, multiple meetings can be scheduled back to back,” Loveless said.
Leatham has already gone through four “speed” dates?none successful?but he remains optimistic.
“This beats the bar scene any day. Plus, I don’t have to deal with the whole failed first date thing,” he said.
The U’s program is the first in the state, and one of several across the nation.
“In so many ways, our lives are becoming more and more efficient. Human relations?particularly dating?can be messy and time consuming. Why not try to simplify them a bit,” Loveless said.
Despite initial concerns, the administration agreed to the service. “They said this is a valid service to the community, and acquiesced,” she said.
One of the purposes of higher education is to produce well rounded people. Emotional and romantic health are crucial parts of that mission?ones higher education has overlooked for far too long, she said. “Besides, I haven’t had a date in two months.”
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