Just when we thought we had heard the last of it, talk of another tuition increase looms in the not-so-distant future.
Though the Arizona Board of Regents wants ASU to rank in the top of the bottom third, it seems we are on the never-ending tuition stairmaster to keep up with that rank.
I didn't mind the $1,000 increase for this year, so why should I fret about paying a few hundred more next year?
Farrah Kaye, a journalism junior from Las Vegas, Nev., said she felt the possible tuition increase, if implemented, should only apply to in-state students, since out-of-state students already pay so much.
According to the ABOR tuition rates, Kaye has spent $12,028 on tuition, while in-state students paid $3,508 for the 2003-04 academic year.
"The population is growing faster than we are," ASU President Michael Crow said to a crowd of faculty, staff and students during a Kickoff Presentation of "The New American University" on Sept. 26. "We are all built out," he said.
Crow discussed how we should think of ASU as "one University, many places" because we may not be able to expand geographically anymore. Instead, ASU will have quality teaching institutions not only on the main campus, but also at ASU East, West and Downtown.
"I adamantly believe if students pay more, we should get more," said ASASU undergraduate president Brandon Goad. "If tuition does go up, it is important that ASU students receive a better education and more amenities from the school, such as smaller class sizes and classroom technology improvements."
The main campus will be undergoing renovations as well in order to keep up with the growing student population.
As a result of the recent tuition increase, ASU students have received extended library hours, more financial aid, new seating in the Languages and Literatures building, improved compensation for faculty and staff and more wireless campus access, Goad said.
So we are getting more. Though some students may not take advantage of extended library hours, receive financial aid, or virtually chat with their adviser, students are definitely getting more.
Students should look at the bigger picture. Sure, when most of these renovations and future tuition increases are in operation, some of us may not be here anymore.
And it is unfortunate for those of us who will be here long enough for the tuition increases but not the finished products. Still, we must keep in mind that we are building many new things for future students to enjoy.
We must not panic just yet. After all, talks of tuition increases won't really heat up until next semester. Goad said neither President Crow nor ABOR have discussed the tuition increase for next year.
As the time for discussion nears, they will discuss the proposals to the student body and listen to feedback.
Rather than take the typical college stance and protest against authority, we should repeat last year's constructive efforts and assist in directing where University improvements should be made.
Why must we be so selfish to ask ourselves, "If I won't be here to enjoy it, then I won't fund it?" If alumni from the early 1900s had that attitude, we could be taking turns getting an outdated education in a one-room schoolhouse built for 30 students.
Today's students may not be able to enjoy "one University, many places," but we can help build it and leave a lasting legacy not only for future Sun Devils but also for the state of Arizona.
One thing is for sure: We're not going to achieve the process of becoming the "New American University" by being the cheapest in price.
Evonne S. Avalos is a journalism junior. Reach her at evonne.avalos@asu.edu.
