As I approach the end of my academic career at this university (I hope), it seems to me a controversy presents tension between school administration and the undergraduate student body every year. While I didn’t notice this during my earlier terms (I’m old) due to apathy or simply a lack of controversies, it seems the frequency of such adverse events are increasing. It usually begins like this: Some University administration/body/group/etc. wants to make a major change directly impacting undergraduate students. First it was Logogate, then it was Frosh Week’s truncation attempt, and now it appears we’ve reached somewhat of a peak with the University wanting to assume full control of a building fully paid for by Undergraduate students.
We complained enough to stop that infamous “lasered” W from becoming commonplace, we passionately picketed to prevent a severely shortened frosh week, but is Fed Hall worth another fight? Is it worth it for students to fight the realistically unstoppable power of university administration from assuming control over the building? Will enough of the overwhelmingly apathetic student population care enough to show administration enough of us care? Yes, yes, and I would hope so.
The choice on what and how to fight is really ours, and in the face of losing control of more student space, perhaps the administration and us should really pay attention to how the whole story will unfold.
Over the history of the university, several buildings students use to this day were funded with extras fees added to the tuition bill. If my memory serves me correctly – SLC (Formerly Campus Centre), SLC Renovation, CIF, TC, and also the soon-to-be constructed health services expansion have had student funding through such a fee (Paying back the cost of constructing health services will begin after construction is complete). The trend is not likely to end there either. The proposed student services building which failed at referendum two years ago will be funded (if passed) with a fixed student fee as well.
This is why it’s worth it to save Fed Hall. The university continues to ask for student handouts to build buildings while encroaching on our image, traditions, and way of student life. Will students continue to trust the administration to respect student-funded space if they continue with not renewing Feds’ lease on Fed Hall? I suppose the question could ask if students even trust administration now, but the Feds Hall fiasco will continue to erode what little trust exists.
So what happens for future students then? Enrollment continues to increase, tuition continues to increase and class sizes continue to increase. Students will once again be asked during a referendum to fund another student services building on campus. The fee for this building will be added to students’ tuition bills for decades. Although the building is badly needed, students will see it as another way for the university to try to grab more money from students. Will students accept the referendum? I likely won’t be around to see the results (I hope), but if students remember the stunt admin are pulling with Fed Hall, the likely chance is no. The fight between students and administration will continue preventing needed progress that would improve student life.
I’ll always wonder if Fed Hall is worth it for the administration to lose the trust of their students. It’s something I’ll wonder for a while. What will happen once I walk across that stage for 15 seconds to shake a hand, gain a sash, and receive my piece of paper? I know what will happen. I’ll begin my full time job (I hope) and then the phone calls will start. The phone calls asking to donate to the university will begin and from what I’ve heard from my alumni friends, they can be quite frequent. I’m not saying I’m never going to donate to the University. I recognize the amazing opportunities the university provides for its students, but I will also remember some of the issues I and my peers have faced with the university as well.
I’ll be more wary of where I decide to place my money. I’ll be more inclined to donate to endowment funds, teams, or foundations which directly impact undergraduate students and not directly pad university coffers.
In all, Fed Hall is worth the fight. It’s worth it for us, undergraduate students to not back down and have our voices heard. Even though it’s unlikely the administration will budge on the issue, we stand to lose a lot more than just Fed Hall if we all simply give up, and that’s why it is worth it to save Fed Hall.
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