Investment in education should not just yield construction
Editorial Board
Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: Ed-Op
In a time of economic uncertainty, it is a bold move for Drexel to continue its aggressive construction plans.
Continuing construction is positive in that it encourages growth and development in the face of financial crisis; it keeps people employed and maintains an industry that has no doubt been impacted by the spiraling housing market.
Jan. 6, Drexel announced a massive anonymous donation to enable the purchase and renovation of a new center for the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. We, as a part of the Drexel community, greatly appreciate this generous gift, and there is no doubt that the students of Westphal deserve an upgraded, integrated facility.
It is fantastic to see Drexel invest in the campus and improve our educational experience. However, the University's first responsibility is to the students that fill its classrooms everyday - not just the new students that will be here two years from now. With so many people struggling in today's economy, it might be better to invest money in the students that already attend Drexel, as well as those hoping to in the future, by lowering tuition, giving more scholarships and working towards free education for low-income students.
Additionally, the number of construction projects currently going on seems excessive. Sidewalk traffic has been significantly impacted, and though our campus will surely look better in a few years, right now you can go virtually nowhere without encountering a gaping hole in the ground and the noise pollution of heavy machinery.
It is obvious that the administration cares about making Drexel better, but many students that are being inconvenienced by the construction will never get the opportunity to use these new facilities. We hope that the administration does not forget the needs of our student body while trying to attract new students.
It may be prudent to postpone some projects instead of tearing up our entire campus (which is not that big to begin with), and in the meantime give some low-income kids a chance to attend a prestigious university. The anonymous donor has challenged the University and others to raise $30 million more to top off the renovation funds. How about a challenge to start scholarship funds instead?
Continuing construction is positive in that it encourages growth and development in the face of financial crisis; it keeps people employed and maintains an industry that has no doubt been impacted by the spiraling housing market.
Jan. 6, Drexel announced a massive anonymous donation to enable the purchase and renovation of a new center for the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. We, as a part of the Drexel community, greatly appreciate this generous gift, and there is no doubt that the students of Westphal deserve an upgraded, integrated facility.
It is fantastic to see Drexel invest in the campus and improve our educational experience. However, the University's first responsibility is to the students that fill its classrooms everyday - not just the new students that will be here two years from now. With so many people struggling in today's economy, it might be better to invest money in the students that already attend Drexel, as well as those hoping to in the future, by lowering tuition, giving more scholarships and working towards free education for low-income students.
Additionally, the number of construction projects currently going on seems excessive. Sidewalk traffic has been significantly impacted, and though our campus will surely look better in a few years, right now you can go virtually nowhere without encountering a gaping hole in the ground and the noise pollution of heavy machinery.
It is obvious that the administration cares about making Drexel better, but many students that are being inconvenienced by the construction will never get the opportunity to use these new facilities. We hope that the administration does not forget the needs of our student body while trying to attract new students.
It may be prudent to postpone some projects instead of tearing up our entire campus (which is not that big to begin with), and in the meantime give some low-income kids a chance to attend a prestigious university. The anonymous donor has challenged the University and others to raise $30 million more to top off the renovation funds. How about a challenge to start scholarship funds instead?
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
kagedmunky
Andy
posted 1/09/09 @ 11:17 AM EST
I agree to some extent. One of the main purposes of the university (other than research) is to provide education to students so there will continue to be future research. (Continued…)
PC
posted 1/12/09 @ 10:48 PM EST
The "Investment in Education should not just yield constrcution" is a joke. What it amounts to is a complainer going on a rant. The university needs this construction to take our campus out of the 1960's. (Continued…)
rambo
posted 2/09/09 @ 7:18 AM EST
hi
I like your idea about investment in education. eduction build the good environment in all the countries.
rambo
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