Mechanical engineering seniors are building a device that will get a disabled woman from her wheelchair to her shower.

Their project is a noble one, and we think more departments and majors should follow suit by offering challenging education in the form of practical projects that benefit someone other than the students who do the research.

Sure, there are some majors and capstones that would have to try pretty hard to make its senior research something as beneficial as the engineering department’s.

But some departments could do it without much trouble.

A host of majors, for example, could easily provide the opportunity for students to teach certain material to students who need it, or to tutor underprivileged students who might otherwise not receive such education.

English literature students could spend time teaching and helping students and children who can’t yet read.

Botany majors could make environmental cleanup proposals and put them to use by establishing a long-term project.

Political science students could work on campaigns.

Examples abound.

College is, ultimately, about learning.

And, in most cases, one learns by doing and practicing.

After four years in the classroom, it can only be beneficial to put the knowledge to work in the real world.

Ultimately, this would refine abilities and allow students to practice valuable skills. Both are great for the community, and for the students’ education.