ULV: glass half full or half empty?
Campus Times
May 21, 1999
Problematic issues regarding several organizations that directly affect
the University of La Verne student body may not come to an end even with
the end of the school year.
Among the problems is the Associated Student Federation (ASF) Forum,
which, on April 22 and 23, held a student election to vote for various propositions.
Of those propositions, the issue of whether the University should be allowed
to continue painting of the Rock was presented.
Eighty-five students voted in favor of abolishing the painting of the
Rock, while 119 voted against passing the resolution.
The outcome: Forum members decided to take it upon themselves to discontinue
the painting of the Rock. Is our student government based on democracy or
dictatorship? The majority decision made by the students was supposed to
be an advisory vote, and obviously, the majority of students who "advised"
against the resolution were not heard.
Another problem on campus comes from the Financial Aid Office. Students
seeking financial aid for the next school year were required to have their
applications completed and submitted by March 2.
One would assume that would leave ample time for the office to complete
the award letters and get them out before spring semester is over. However,
award letters were just recently completed; and it was not until earlier
this week -- the last week of regular school -- that students could pick
them up.
Letters not picked up by today will be sent to the students by mail
on Monday. Next week -- being the finals week -- is far too late for students
to discover whether they are financially able to attend this University.
Award letters should have been completed long ago.
The final problem, which seems to consistently be the subject of student
opposition, is the Office of Housing and Residential Life. Last year, problems
arose when Housing was not able to appropriately accommodate students already
accepted to live on campus. Therefore, there was no other choice than to
overcrowd dorm rooms.
And what is the purpose of a $25 application fee to live on campus?
It is understandable that a fee should be given to incoming freshman, but
a fee is given every year, even to returning students who have been living
on campus. Why?
It may not be in Housing's hands, but our student population is increasing
and more resident halls are needed.
Action to prevent housing problems needs to be quicker than the action
to finish the Spot.
The students, should also hope that the best ASF officials were elected
by the recent elections; officers who support democracy. Before that, students
should hope that our votes will be considered.
Students should also expect the Financial Aid Office to meet deadlines
and work toward notifying the students regarding a main need: financial
aid.
Although La Verne does has its faults, there are several aspects of
this school that are good. Among them would be the size of this campus.
La Verne is a small and intimate campus in which it is very hard to remain
anonymous.
Many complain that La Verne is indeed too small and people do know too
much about their fellow student. Yet, the intimacy that La Verne presents
to its students would have to be considered far better than the statistic-like
status that students at much larger schools.
La Verne presents each student with the opportunity to expand his horizons
and broaden his perspective. By interaction with all of the different cultures
on this campus, students are forced to meet persons who are different than
they are. This constant cultural interaction promotes a unique spirit of
community among college campuses.
La Verne is small enough that every student, who chooses to, can make
a positive and lasting impact on this campus. Students often complain and
moan about what is wrong with La Verne, however, what the hell do they do
to improve it?
Apathy runs rampant among the student population and if anything is
a serious problem at this University, it is that. When looking at history,
people are remembered because they take stands, be they right or wrong.
It is these people who solve the world's ills and make life better for the
world in general.
They choose to not only complain about problems, they take the time
and effort to make a difference.
Is La Verne perfect? Assuradely not, but the question begs as to what
do students proactively do to correct these problems? Not too much. It is
the student body that is to blame for the food being bad in Davenport. Have
a sit in or a demonstration to force Aramark to improve their recipes and
the quality of their food.
Students complain about financial aid and the snails pace with which
that office works, what have they done to increase the pace of the snail?
It is not until students realize that they are paying customers of this
college and not children in day care, will the administration treat students
with greater respect. This is college children, act like it. Grow up, raise
some hell, jump into the flame occasionally; rest assured one will not get
burned that bad.
The ball is in the student bodies' court. It is time to put up or shut
up. "Are you going to bark all day little doggy or are you going
to bite?"- Reservoir Dogs
