By Adam Talenfeld
Arizona Daily Wildcat
December 2, 1997

Union debate should not affect tuition costs

Editor:

"...the entire concept of charging a fee for anything just suggests that the University is incapable of managing itself. As students, we already pay an enormous cost to attend the University. Tuition has increased more than 100% in less than ten years (That doubles the highest inflation rate)" -Steve Conrad

I am disappointed that President Likins has chosen to address us students by making ultimatums and questioning our commitment to progress; I won't say it's outright irresponsibility, but neither do I feel like our university or ASUA administrations have our best interests at heart as students.

For me, the union debate hinges on the purpose of Arizona's universities: accessible higher education for the children of the state's taxpayers, and the development of knowledge worldwide. It frustrates me to no end that some people interpret educational budget cuts by our legislature as a mandate for FURTHER increasing the real cost of a university education, which is the student fee. It angers me even more that those who ought to be our advocates consider us to be the shortsighted ones and dedicate themselves to working against us.

Doctor Likins, it means much more to me that a quality four-year college degree cost $320 less than that I feel proud about the appearance of and amenities offered by my student union. Perhaps the legislature and the Board of Regents do not want to hear the arguments about how a renovated student union could increase admissions, boost campus morale or be a landmark as we bridge the millenium. It's clear that higher education is not one of the legislature's priorities. Please, do not encourage their dismantling of our universities by endorsing the increased cost of education.

Not everyone is willing or able to pay the equivalent of the price of a three-bedroom house for four years of tuition and fees. Those who want to, do. They are not examples for us to follow, yet here we are, following their inflationary lead despite our being a public university. If you want to build a new building, by all means, go ahead: by all means but the sacrifice of higher education in Arizona.

Adam Talenfeld
Spanish and Molecular & Cellular Biology Senior