As I look forward to new experiences that await me in my post-graduation life, I could do without the anticipated calls from the Marquette Phonathon. They bugged my tuition-paying parents for four years, so why not start calling a deeply in debt (from student loans) recent grad? Before I consider donating I have some concerns.
When University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild laid out his vision for the next seven years in his "What's Next for Marquette," speech, I was expecting better. It seems that some of the students' best interests aren't always put first.
In Tuesday's editorial we suggested the university reprioritize their "to-do" list. I'd like to voice my suggestions as a student who has had a love-hate relationship with this school for almost four years now.
The 2006-'07 school year tuition will rise $1,720 — a 7.5 percent increase. Everyone expects college tuition to grow more expensive each year due to inflation. However, the federal government isn't on our side either, because interest rates on student loans are on the rise as well.
The university should be looking for ways to make college more affordable for their students by increasing grants and scholarships. While tuition increased over my four years, my financial aid never did. I fear that with such an enormous emphasis placed on diversity that scholarships may not be awarded fairly based on economic needs and academic excellence, without racial or cultural factors coming into play.
While not only helping ease financial pressures to attend college, the university should also look at student living.
The university is correct in looking to reconstruct run-down buildings and establish state of the art facilities. However, they are forgetting that students also need somewhere decent to live.
No one can deny that student housing on this campus is for the most part less then desirable. Now, room and board rates are also increasing approximately $550 for the next year. So I understand that utility costs are now more expensive. But when was the last time Wild took a stroll through McCormick Hall?
If the school is laying out a seven-year plan, including construction on three academic buildings, it's infuriating that student housing is not on that list. I'm not asking for students to live in luxury suites, but they deserve better then minuscule pie-shaped rooms — rooms that were originally built to house only one student, not two.
The university spends money to beautify the campus and increase diversity. While both are wonderful and improve the atmosphere of campus, the university seems more focused on their appearance to the media than with the amenities they provide for students.
I have seen many positive changes since I've been here, including the new library. And I know I'm getting a valuable education. However, there are many more improvements to be made and I just wish the university would at least recognize these issues.
Then maybe I'll make a $20.06 donation when the Phonathon calls.
