$40 for activities, for whom?

Walking through the University of La Verne campus, it is not hard to miss the apathy students have towards this school.

Living in the dorms it is easier to spot this apathy as it has infiltrated the quality of programs that many of the program assistants host.

In all fairness, there have been a few that have sparked an interest, but there have been countless that have lacked the effort that is needed to put on a successful program.

One of those things that is lacking is funds, in fact the activities fee is going to be doubled in the fall from $20 to $40 per student. but many of us wonder where the $20 fee went and doubt it is being used wisely are that much more skeptical about forking over $40.

It is supposed to go to funding programs that "meet the students out-of classroom needs, and assist students in fulfilling their academic and personal goals," according to the 2002-2003 Guide to Residential Life ULV housing booklet.

The sad fact is that there is a low participation level at these programs, and thus the programs do not serve much of a purpose. The money that is used is then wasted and should instead be used in different areas that would better serve students in the residence halls.

Although it does not sound like $20 can buy much these days, here's some financial perspective: approximately 14 women per wing per floor in Stu-Han comes out to $560 in activity fees, approximately 31 students in each floor of Brandt Hall comes out to $460 in activity fees and approximately 24 residents in one floor at the Oaks comes out to $480 in activity fees that students have paid for.

This amount of money can instead be used for many different needed improvements. It could be used to provide new shower curtains every semester or fixing the broken washers and dryers in the residence halls.

These may sound like minor repairs, but students depend on these items for day-to-day living.

Just think what twice that amount could buy.

But for those students who have inquired about the increase in fees, the answer has been simple: "Every year costs go up." Costs for what?

Beginning this fall, the housing and residential life office hopes to start a variety of programs that allow for student advocacy.

But let us stop and think about this. No matter what it is called, there is still a lack of student participation.

Again, the only solution to that is to put the money where it is used wisely and where it benefits students.

If that means no more programs that no one attends, then so be it.

But the fact is that the housing office can raise the fees as much as they want because they know students want to live on campus, and that they will pay the fees because they have to.

The only thing students in the dorms can wish for is that they will get more for their buck.