Senioritis: An excuse to slack off or a real condition?

By Babatunde Dahunsi | Published Oct. 25, 2016

Senioritis — a colloquial expression used by students in their last year of college who are eager to graduate, but lose the motivation to give 100 percent toward their studies — can spread like wildfire for students who take more than the traditional four years to graduate.

The definition of what it means to be a college senior can be ambiguous. If it is based on years attending college alone, some students would officially be seniors. But senior status is based on credits earned, not time spent in school, so the reason for delayed graduation, and the accompanying lethargy, varies among students.

Senioritis can be on the rise among students midway through that last semester as students approach the finish line and become more and more lethargic in their efforts.

“A lot of us have internships and real jobs that we’ve taken or that are lined up,” said Kean student Andrea Thurston. “Once you’ve acclimated yourself to the working, it’s difficult to still sit in a classroom and stay motivated.”

For some students school has become tedious and redundant.

“I’ve been in school for six years now, “ said Kean senior Devonte Morris. “I’ve transferred a few times and it’s been a long journey. I‘ve lost credits and gotten them back, but I’m glad it’s about to be over.”

Lack of motivation can diminish for many of those who begin to close the semester out and see graduating as a reality. But some believe senioritis does not exist and is, instead, an excuse to slack off.

“Senioritis is not real, and anyone who thinks it is a liar,“ said Kean student Jordan Biggums.

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