It is no surprise to anyone just how overpopulated the campus has become in the past two years.
Apparently the school is aware with the nice chunk of change it is making with every student.
But is it really aware of how many students attend the University?
When it comes to matters outside finances, it is obviously not.
Aside from considering the ridiculous parking La Verne offers; the lack of consideration for those screwed by housing and the number of class sections offered vs. the number of students requiring the same classes, the University has but only considered the additional income each student brings in, without considering the student himself.
It is unfair for ULV to offer such a disservice to those very students who continue to bear with all the frustrations and apply for student loans just to come here.
Granted, this is a private school, state funds are not available like they are in Cal State and UC campuses. That concept is understood. I will even go out on a limb and speak for others when I say that most students know this and are cooperative.
But what students are not eager and should not be quick to accept, is a false advertisement.
Earlier in the school year, students were faced with academic scheduling difficulties. Apparently only a number of courses were offered for courses that most students, or at least most new students were required to take.
In addition, prospective students should not be promised a great school year only to be welcomed by no parking.
Furthermore, students should not be looking forward to their college experience only to receive multiple phone calls by housing and an apology letter from President Morgan explaining their short-to-be lived experience at the Claremont Inn.
With overcrowding, students want to know where their tuition dollars are going.
Again, it is true that more students require more services which in turn cost more money.
So where are the services?
Oh, that’s right, the additional parking lot is in the works. The whopping 91 spaces will really make a difference in this parking madness.
And, oh yeah, the housing issue. Plans for the relocation of Claremont Inn students is in progress. I am sure they do not mind having to live in an Inn for one semester and possibly, in another the second semester.
And classes? Oh, well, we have always dealt with a larger number of students vs. the amount of sections offered during Interterm.
If it did not matter to the University in the past, why would it matter during the Fall or Spring semesters?
The fact of the matter is that the University has only ventured to make small attempts to remedy these situations — which in the past, have only been extensively delayed and have left much to be desired.
A perfect example is The Spot. But, there is no need to repeat a broken record. Moreover, an adequate and still not forgotten example, is Financial Aid’s letter to all students informing them that only one person was available during office hours and no phone calls could be returned immediately.
What? Where does the University get off? If this school plans to continue its growth, its paramount concern should be the students and only the students, not just their tuition dollars.
Angelica Martinez, a senior journalism major, is copy editor of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at amartine@ulv.edu.
