The Nevada Sagebrush

Though I agree with this point 100% the opinion should have alluded to how ASUN gets their money, that is does not come from the university budget, that is comes straight from tuition and how ASUN have received a budget increase from FY 07/08 to this FY 08/09.

As I read this I wonder how many “Nevada Sagebrush Scholarships” are out there.
The Tutoring Center’s decision to charge, as well as the amount, was finalized, if I remember correctly, less than a few weeks before the semester started. ASUN, which includes the author of this editorial, can not see into the future and step in where the University has to make tough decisions. Here’s an idea, how bout some of that advertising money from the Sagebrush be donated to a student in need to show the Senate how to lead the way?
By the way staff editor, why is there no mention, in your journal, about the University loosing the Career Development Center, or any of the other programs that had to be cut? And are you suggesting that we the students should start paying for the services that the University decides to jettison of due to lack of funding? Hmm, not all students use the Tutoring Center but all should pay for the “10 percent” that does. Makes sense to me. Why don’t you, Staff Editor, author the legislation and submit it to the Senate. Oh and please include some documentation that would demonstrate the support of students in using their money to benefit the “10 percent.” Let me guess, that isn’t your job so you would never do such a thing. Hey, the Sagebrush is a journal and I bet the wonderful folks there could do a “public opinion” article on this. Or is it just easier to sit back and critique.
Now without meaning any insult or disrespect to anyone, I do not believe our student government should be providing “academic welfare” to the students. They say studying on an empty stomach leads to poor academic performance. I suppose the Senate should offer ASUN food stamps to the students that can’t afford the meal plans. After all students need to eat.
Now the disclaimer: This is strictly my opinion and does not represent the opinion of the students, faculty, staff, administration, ASUN, animals, plants or anyone [thing] affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno, including, but not limited to, the air.

This article also fails to mention what ASUN is doing to help with the cuts, such as funding the cuts to Campus Escort, a huge safety program that helps a lot of students.

While I’m a strong supporter of the Sagebrush and their effort to inform students on both positive and negative affairs within ASUN, I have to strongly question the assertion presented in this article.

(1) I must stress that all students who receive the Pell Grant from fasfa get to use the tutoring services for free. Therefore, the students struggling the most financially have the ability to use tutoring for free.
(2) Avocation for maintaining the Writing Center and Math Center are of high priority. The tutoring center offers “walk in labs” similar to the math center, and when asked, they could not determine the difference between these services, and referred the question to the student tutors.
(3) How can ASUN add another line item, more than $75,000 to the budget? Should we eliminate the dept of homecoming and grant clubs less than the previous year, even though there are more clubs and organizations on campus than ever? or should we cut some of the funding for student publications? It’s hard to imagine adding another service, although not impossible, when many other student services may be placed within ASUN next year, most importantly the Office of Greek Life and Student Orientation Staff.
(4) It’s hard for both the University and ASUN to make up for these significant and large budget cuts and determine the best place in which to cut funding. Until we have a governor who’s willing to increase taxes (hotels and casino property, maybe?), K-12 and higher education will be forced to make up for some of the short fall in the state budget. It’s up to the state legislature and governor to find a solution to this “temporary,” but, in fact, prospectively long-term, without new taxes, problem.

While I certainly appreciate the efforts of the Sagebrush staff in attempting to inform the students, much more research needs to be presented than merely broad assertions. Media has the power to provide unbiased information to the public, such as Wolf Pack radio’s presidential debate, and writing an editorial without enough facts does not provide adequate information to the students. Props to this week’s article (explaining that the student’s need a voice in the budget cuts and providing them with an outlet to do so). That’s what a call a proactive editorial!
-Gracie