University Drops Freshman Label Because it Contains ‘Man’

Trinity College Dublin announced this week that they would be dropping usage of the term “freshman” because it contains the word “man.” In a statement, the university announced that the changed is being made to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage in Ireland.

“As we approach 100 years of women’s suffrage in Ireland in 2018,” the statement read, “it is timely to reflect on changes in our student body since “Freshman” first came into use, and to ensure those changes are reflected in the name we give them.”

In place of “freshman,” the term “fresh” will be used. Trinity College Student Union President Kevin Keane called the change “very sensible.” He suggested that the Student Union as a whole supported the change.

“Trinity College can be an intimidating place for new students so anything that can be done to reduce that is important and welcome,” Keane said in a comment. “We want Trinity to be as inclusive as possible.”
Colleges around the world are slowly letting go of the “freshman” label. In an informational document published by Penn State University in 2008, it was argued that the term “freshman” does not accurately describe modern-day student bodies.

The word “freshman” is slowly being replaced by the term “first-year student” on college campuses. As more and more nontraditional students enroll in college, the word “freshman” does not adequately describe new students on campus. “First year” is a much more encompassing and flexible term. “Freshman” refers to the traditional, fresh-out-of-high-school student. While the word does not necessarily have a bad connotation, it is not truly representative of the population, which is a variety of students, including nontraditional, international, transfer, and traditional students beginning their first year on the college campus.