Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.

I received an e-mail this week from Associated Students of ASU President Brandon Goad asking for my feelings on the expansion and renovation of the Memorial Union and Student Recreation Center. I was enthused to give my two cents. After all, I pay enough money to go to school, so my opinion should be worth something, right? And it's definitely better than dealing with telemarketers.

The survey was a follow-up survey to one that was sent out a while ago regarding our feelings about expanding the Memorial Union and Student Recreation Center. I'm glad they're doing a second survey to ensure this is something that students really want, and not just some exercise in futility.

Receiving the e-mail made me feel like a real student with a valued opinion. But as I was about to get clicking, something caught my eye: In appreciation of filling out the survey, I was offered travel ticket vouchers, iPods and mountain bikes!

I was disheartened. The importance of my opinion was reduced down to bribery in the form of material goods. Or was I just looking too much into it? Am I a small fraction of the student undergraduate population who doesn't need to be coaxed into giving my opinion?

As if that wasn't enough, I watched with other incredulous students at the MU lounge Thursday as a woman noisily encouraged students to fill out a paper version of the electronic survey.

"Tell us how to make the MU better," she said.

I felt for her because most people walked away from the offer, even after she told them they "could win fabulous prizes."

Brent Giacchetti, a nursing sophomore said, "It's too much junk mail. I don't mind [the surveys], but I usually delete them." Although he thought it was a neat idea to include an incentive, he said he probably wouldn't win any of the prizes.

Another concern from students was the legitimacy of the drawing itself. "I was thinking of doing it, but then I was wondering how legit it was," communications senior Lindsay Nordstrom said. She was interested to know if all students who filled out the survey would be eligible or only the first few hundred who reply.

From talking to students, it seems that in spite of the prize drawing, students are still apprehensive about giving their opinion. Lack of time and interest ultimately will doom these surveys. Others, like me, might be offended because their opinions should be valued intrinsically, so that incentives are not needed.

ASASU has made a great effort in asking students for their opinions - they shouldn't cheapen that effort with door prizes.

Evonne S. Avalos is a journalism and history junior. She doesn't need bribes to respond at evonne.avalos@asu.edu.


Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.

Subscribe to Pressing Matters



×

Notice

This website uses cookies to make your experience better and easier. By using this website you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.