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Show I PAID AVERTISEMENT Your Leaders Andrew Stone Student Body President ASUVSC and Student Alumni Association sponsored homecoming tailgate party, pictured to the right. Pictured above and far right students cheer on their wolverines at the homecoming game. Kris Coles Executive VP UVSC receives less money than other state schools It seems that recently, whenever someone utters the words "higher education," the words "tuition increase" seem to always fall somewhere in the immediate vicinity. So a letter coming from a Utah Valley State College student with the intent to point out some rather egregious inequalities in terms of higher-ed funding, may not seem like anything new. However, I urge you to hear our case, and take a closer look at the numbers. UVSC's recent growth and expansion is certainly exciting, and has pointed the school in a fascinating new direction. Unfortunately, it seems that the timing of this growth wasn't as fortuitous as one might have hoped. Coupled with an economic downturn that affected schools throughout the state and nation, UVSC's growth has had the effect of leaving the College appallingly under-funded in comparison to the rest of the schools in the state. Currently, the average state funding for institutions in the Utah System of Higher education is 63.29%. UVSC, at 48.49% funded, is easily at the bottom of the list. The legislature made an attempt to address this discrepancy in 2005-06 when a limited additional appropriation was made to help close the funding gap. Nevertheless, UVSC continues to receive a mere $3,343 from the state per student, while the state average is $6,342. Understandably, the two major public research universities increase the system average, receiving nearly three times the funding per student as UVSC. Take those schools out of the equation and UVSC is still over $ 1,100 per-student below the average. What justification is there for this inequity? Given the state's recent budget surpluses, shouldn't it be possible to use some of that Join a club Joining or starting a new club is a great way. to enhance your college experience. Clubs are organized to involve students in fields of special interest that involve their academic major, personal interest in a particular activity, or special service to the college or community. This past fall semester here at Utah Valley State College we have a bunch of activities with UV Clubs, these are activities that students can get involved with a club or start a new club. These activities "showcase" the clubs to the students; these activities are UV Experience, Club Rushes, Club Spotlights, and Club Nights. These activities take place every month of the school year; you can catch them in the hallways and even at times outside in the Courtyard here at Utah Valley State College. We look forward to another successful semester starting in January. If interested in joining a club or want to start a new club come by the UV Clubs office located at LC 101a or contact us through phone: 863.8820. funding to correct such a glaring disparity? It is difficult to understand why UVSC students have been "sold out" in comparison to other students in the state. The U.S. News & World Report ranks UVSC among the top four comprehensive bachelor degree granting colleges in the West. UVSC is the 3rd largest school in the State with 24,487 students. Eighty-three percent of these students come from Utah, though all 50 states and 78 countries are also represented on our campus. Most of these students will remain in Utah once they receive their degrees, building strong state and local economies. Isn't this exactly what our state leaders should be supporting? It only makes sense to invest in an institution that has proven it can provide excellent educational opportunities despite such severe funding inequities. It is time for the state to fully support the College as it takes its next critical steps in becoming a regional state university. The word injustice is not one to be thrown around lightly, so 1*11 refrain from using it here. However, this is a problem that can no longer be shrugged off and swept under the rug. The students and parents who are being shortchanged to make up for the state's shortfall need to be informed and take a firm stand. With your help, we can enlighten the public about this basic unfairness. The growth and advancement of UVSC and its students is something we all benefit from. Help us remind our state leaders that the future of Utah's students is the future of the state itself. Thank You, Justin Davies ASUVSC Chief Justice This semester in academics The ASUVSC Student Senate wears many hats, and this year the Senate has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the students of Utah Valley State are well represented. The year began with a campus wide search for Department Representatives. These representatives are students who major in each department and they are a resource for the students to use for information, as well as to bring concerns and issues to. The search produced some of the most dedicated students on campus to work together to make things better for students across campus. Many of the department reps are already hard at work and the fruits of their labors can be seen all around. There are still many positions left so if you are interested in becom- Amy Brockman VP of Academics ing part of this group please stop by SC 105 and pick up an application. The Senators have also been busy working on the Ira and Mary Lou Fulton challenge for each of their schools. They are hoping that with hard work and effort each and every school will be able to reach their goals and have that money matched so that they can provide the things that are needed for students. Campus speakers are also a big project that Senate works on, and this year we have had great success. We kicked off our year with Coach Herman Boone from Remember the Titans. The ballroom was filled to capacity and many students were touched by what he had to say about diversity and tolerance. We were also able to host Bob Frankenberg and Gideon Yago from MTV News. Our goal is to bring in a good mix of speakers so that throughout the year there will be something to interest everyone. In the next semester we are excited to welcome FBI Profiler John Douglas, and New York Times Assistant Legal Council George Freeman. With all of this going on, our main purpose is still to represent students. We are always looking for ways to help and to represent. Please, if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact your Senator and we will do what we need to do to help you. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Amy Brockman at brockmam@uvsc.edu Marissa Neumann VP of Student Life Nick Parmley VP of Clubs |
