Arnold, Follow the Master Plan

BY FLYNN HAGERTY
Editor

TRACY HELD / GUARDSMAN

Following the general election, one of the many things Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will turn to is reform of the California higher education system. It may not be for the best.

Of particular interest is the way the governor will deal with college and university education. He has proposed large tuition hikes to make up some of the budgetary shortfalls in the University of California, California State University and community college systems.

Students have complained vehemently about fee hikes, but there is little alternative. Under the current budget, a refusal to raise fees would mean cuts in vital student services, such as health and police.

It should be the eventual goal of the California higher education system to restore the quality of education seen in the 1960s, when California educated an astonishing 45 percent of its students, double the national average. Tuition for community colleges, state universities and the University of California was free.

It’s time to return to the Master Plan, authored by University of California President Clark Kerr in 1960. One critic said the plan “mass-produced low-cost quality education and research potential for a nation that hungered deeply for both.”

It is this Master Plan that gave us the marvel of California today — the fifth largest economy in the world, a hotbed for innovation and excellence.

Once, 16 percent of the California budget was dedicated to higher education — now the figure is only 11 percent. Proposition 13 transferred local tax burdens to the state level, depriving community colleges of much of their funding, selling out California’s future for lower taxes. Tuitions were introduced, starting in the 1960s, and have been raised almost continuously since. The quality of education has declined.

Some adjustments are necessary. Free tuition unfairly caters to richer students, so tuition should be on a sliding scale, with recognition given in aid to students who are from working-class homes. Community colleges need to be recognized as important finishing schools for the tough university system, and given the tools needed to give students an optimal start to a degree.

The Master Plan is still relevant today. The governor and the state legislature must be lobbied to give back to California the promise that has made us a shining star in the world.


e-mail: op-ed@theguardsman.com

Ashamed to be at City?
Lack of School Spirit on Campus

BY DANIEL VEREL
Contributing Writer

COLEEN CUMMINS / GUARDSMAN

City College suffers many similar trends to that of other public colleges. Issues ranging from budget cuts, ever-increasing enrollment, and an overworked staff usually dominate discussions regarding the college. While these topics remain pertinent to perceptions of the school, another problem continues to plague the City College community. School spirit at Ocean campus is noticeably absent among the student populace.

Sporting events and theatre performances are poorly attended, and the purchase of emblematic City College merchandise has dropped significantly from last semester. In spring 2004, clothing and emblematic sales reached a total of $16,827. This fall, sales have dropped to only $12,295, as of early November.

For a variety of reasons, students don’t display allegiance and take little interest in extracurricular activities. Broadcasting student Fritz Reininger attributes the lack of interest to an ill-informed student body. “People don’t seek it out, and it’s not very well advertised,” Reininger said. First-year student Neber Navarrio said, “I guess people are private, it depends on their appreciation,” he said.

NATHAN WEYLAND / GUARDSMAN

Despite having one of the best football teams in the state, only $476 was collected in admissions for the Rams last game against Santa Rosa and a large portion of the seats remained empty.

The Diego Rivera theatre reported similar trends, as The Players Club only attracted approximately 85 people over the course of three separate shows. “We’re trying to develop more of a following,” said department chair Gloria Weinstock. Both programs are faced with budget constraints that, according to Weinstock, hinder their ability to promote themselves.

This coupled with the fact that students seem apathetic — or at least, unaware — contributes to the lack of school spirit at City College. “Most people probably don’t have the time or energy,” said first semester student Andrew Moran. “I personally don’t have much interest in sports or theatre and I spend more time on school work.”

The ever-present feeling of apathy at City College is likely a result of being a commuter school. It seems that more students treat their time on campus like a job, and spend as little time as possible on campus when they don’t need to. Few really take full advantage of the many opportunities and events that the school has to offer.

I am currently a graphic design student here at City College, although the first class I attended here was newspaper layout in the journalism department. So, I have always had an interest in The Guardsman and read each and every issue. I want to compliment your staff, both current and past, on how much The Guardsman has improved both in content and appearance. The entertainment department is clever and refreshing. The paper has a consistent look throughout and the editorial quality (erroneous hyphens, missing words, etc.) has made a great leap! Cheers to you all!

Jacqui Parker

COMING IN

Faculty Poll

Is education a right, not a privilege?

YES: 20 out of 20 (100 %)

“Education is a right, not a privilege. Education prepares individuals for life. Education is the most effective way for a democracy. Education provides everyone with equal pay and prestige.”
Austin White, history instructor

“Education is a right, a longstanding right that our government put into place not only to allow its citizens to pursue personal goals but also to ensure that we have an educated population to participate in the democratic process. It is essential that we continue to protect this right for young people and that we work to make the educational experience more equitable for all.”
Karen Cox, English instructor

“Education is both a right and privilege. Education in the U.S. has been built on the principle that people have a right to an education. Education also provides public funding.”
Mary Erwin, biology instructor

ON THE RECORD

What is your most humorous City College moment?

Souriya Johnson

“I got lost in Cloud Hall trying to find the Financial Aid office. It took so long that when I found it I just left.”

Jyniece Nelson

“When I saw a guy fall on the stairs going up the hill near the café.”

Emily Sciolto

“The story that came out in the last Guardsman. I think it dissed my teacher, even though she had a point.”

Julien Heng

“When I was walking up the stairs near the café, and I fell.”

Albert Oalis

“I asked a girl if I could get her notes for a class. She freaked out and yelled at me.”

Tom Taylor

“When people’s pants are so low that they can’t walk.”