by Chester Tadeja
Editorial Director
Last year, the Minority Resource Center (MRC) was given a $2,000 grant to assist students needing books for classes. The grant given to MRC by the Golden State Minority Foundation was to be used to buy textbooks for students at ULV.
Although successful and able to help 36 students overall in buying books, the MRC is out of funds and is seeking assistance to continue the program.
“We’re at zero (funds),” said Harvel Lewis, ULV coordinator of minority affairs. “I’m not kidding, no need to paraphrase that. We don’t have anymore money. This program could stop this semester.”
The program allows needy students to buy general education textbooks at the ULV bookstore with “chips” given to students by the MRC. “Chips” are the equivalent to money used to buy textbooks at the bookstore. The MRC must receive proof that a student is in financial need before allocating him/her the chips.
“Students are usually referred to us by Financial Aid, faculty, administrators and other students,” said Lewis. “As long as the classes are general education courses and as long as there is a need, students can come to us and seek help.”
Students then purchase the books, signing a contract agreeing to not damage them and agreeing to return the books to MRC at the end of the semester. The used books are then returned to the bookstore for money which is used to replenish the account said Lewis.
There is a two book limit. However, students can continue to come to the MRC semester after semester seeking help in obtaining textbooks according to Lewis.
“Students sometimes simply don’t have the money,” said Lewis. “I marvel at that. I didn’t have to go through that when I was a student. When I was going to school, I always assumed that if you registered for a class, you naturally had (the money for) the textbook. But that’s not the case here. I was surprised that so many students don’t have the textbooks for their classes.
“Students either photocopy a friend’s book, borrow one or use the library’s. That’s no way to do well in class,” said Lewis.
The MRC has recently received help from Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. The national fraternity recently asked Lewis to come to a diversity task force luncheon back in April where she was anticipated on receiving a T-shirt. Instead, Lewis was presented a check for $300 to be used for the program.
“That was really nice. (That) was a good thing that they did,” said Lewis. “I was surprised. It helped us hang on a little longer. I just hope other organizations could contribute a little as well. We really do need the help.”
“This program is definitely worth it,” said Lydia Salgado, a senior studying Spanish who was in the program last year and also this semester. “I’m a little sad (that there is no more money), but I’m also confident that we’re going to do something (about it). Until this program started, I had been making photocopies and borrowing the book.”
Lewis and the MRC are exploring other avenues seeking funds to support the program. But at the same time, she is asking help from alumni and on-campus organizations to assist her in her efforts.
“I know students have appreciated this program,” said Lewis. “I get thank you cards from students who have used this program. That moves me. It’s a good feeling knowing you can help other students in need. It just goes to show how badly this program is needed.”
Lewis will continue to work with the University Relations office and the University itself in seeking help for the program.
“I have benefited from this program,” said Salgado. “I only hope that we can do our part to pursue and prosper.”
