AUC Berkeley education-at least in theory-produces self-starters and independent planners. Not for us the hand-holding of little liberal arts colleges whose counselors plot out students' lives over coffee; here, even taking advantage of advising services means being proactive. Sure, it might be more difficult that way, but we like to think the worry and waitlists prepare us for making tough career choices.

The idealized UC Berkeley education also is not necessarily a classroom experience. Students here complement a traditional education with work in the community, in the lab and in the office. For many, that open-minded approach to learning is part of the campus's appeal.

Given that the campus supposedly values independence and varied learning environments, the recent move by the Haas School of Business that effectively prevents incoming students from taking summer internships is puzzling. Instead of allowing individuals with other commitments to fit the required courses into their schedules later on, the school now mandates that they be taken over the summer.

Erika Walker, the executive director of the undergraduate program, made the school's new commitment clear: "There is no intention to make exceptions based on internships." We don't see why not.

Requiring that some classes be taken in order makes sense-but that's what the prerequisite system is for. The argument that summer courses help build class unity is well-intended, but not compelling-clubs, business fraternities, and the small size of the program afford plenty of opportunities for that. Besides, the school's top priority should be educating students-not making sure they're all best friends.

One would think that Haas, of all places, would want to encourage networking, hands-on experience, and personal responsibility. Minus buying your first suit, isn't that what business education's all about?