If not for a candidate, vote for your tuition
If not for a candidate, vote for your tuition
Last week The Plainsman encouraged the Student Government Association to adopt a proposal by Foy Union and Recreational Services to increase tuition $10 and split the money between the two entities for improvements in various areas.
The proposal would end up as a referendum to be voted on by the students during the spring elections.
Monday night, SGA adopted the proposal and will allow the referendum on the ballot - with a slight twist.
Instead of the referendum raising tuition $10, it would only raise tuition $5 for 1997-98 and would give each group $2.50. In fall of 1998, another $5 would be added to bring the proposal full circle and to keep the ball rolling in the repair and improvement process.
Good job SGA, but now it is up to the students.
Traditionally student turnout for SGA spring elections has been low, averaging about 20 percent or just below, with the majority of the vote coming from Greek students.
Independent turnout has been lower in the past because of support candidates can solicit from entire organizations and because many independents and students in general feel the elections and SGA have nothing to do with them.
But this referendum has to do with every student because it is their tuition it will affect. When students return fall quarter and realize tuition has gone up, many will wonder why. Many will ask who approved the increase and why they are having to pay more because other students wanted it.
That's the point.
If students do not vote on this referendum, tuition could possibly be increased by their peers - those who cared to vote. And for the referendum to pass, at least 17 percent of campus must approve it.
But who would vote no?
Anyone who will take the time to walk around Foy Union will see cracked walls, leaky roofs and spaces that are not being effectively used because of funding. Foy's lack of funding is also evident in response time for phone calls to the front desk.
Because only a few people work at a time, phones go unanswered or remain busy because the student workers are running all over the union trying to take care of all the other business going on.
And Rec. Services is in need as well. With student workers to keep things going, Rec. Services has to pay salaries and maintenance fees to keep the Student Activity Center, the James E. Martin Aquatics Center and the tennis complex running.
Finally a viable solution to the problems of Foy and Rec. Services has been found. It is a solution that students will be able to follow throughout its course. Students will know half the money will go to one place and half to the other.
There are no general funds here. This is a clear cut case of helping students and a yes vote is vital if students want to keep getting the quality service they receive from Rec. Services and Foy Union.
University Program Council is closer to fine
Like an answered prayer, UPC has listened to students cries during the past few months and has gotten a big name band that is sure to sell more tickets and draw a large crowd. The Indigo Girls are headed for The Plains.
Thank you UPC.
The Plainsman was prepared to write its usual scathing editorial about UPC choices for major entertainment this quarter and last quarter and to charge the UPC to listen to students and get a bigger band for spring.
But before The Plainsman could suggest its solution to small bands and low ticket sales - higher ticket prices and bigger names - UPC saw the light and signed a band that is sure to attract the anticipated 8,000 people.
UPC might even want to reconsider and raise the ticket limit from 8,000 to 10,000 if possible, as the Indigo Girls will bring in more than just college students.
And with the Indigo Girls expected to release a new album in March, the April concert will come at just the right time.
Granted, the Indigo Girls style of music is not that far in genre from JACKOPIERCE or Widespread Panic, but they are a bigger band and do cater to a more diverse group of Auburn students, something the past two bands have not done.
But The Plainsman would like to encourage UPC not to stop here. If you bring the big names, if you take a chance with budgets, students will come, and we think UPC will be surprised by the student reaction.
It is unfortunate UPC had to wait until spring quarter to bring a bigger name band such as the Indigo Girls. Students pay activity fees each quarter and some might miss out on the bigger shows during quarters they are not here while having to suffer through Widespread one more time while they are here.
According to UPC budget records, to bring the Gin Blossoms to campus last spring cost the UPC about $2,000 which was spent to offset the cost of the band as opposed to ticket sales. The event total was $35,163, while ticket sales were $33,041.
Though costs will vary, UPC could potentially get big names such as Gin Blossoms and Indigo Girls every quarter.
UPC is not going to be able to cater to every student on campus each time it brings a band here. Whether it's rap, metal, punk, folk or funk, UPC is not going to make everyone happy.
But this time UPC has done what it is supposed to be doing; getting a band that will attract a large, diverse crowd and one that a lot of people know and love.
Good job UPC.