2019 Emerson College Student Union Disorientation Guide

ecsu disorientation guide Fall 2019

who are we We are student-led, non-hierarchical, and independent of the institution. We are passionate about justice. We are fed up with Emer$on building a brand around student activism while denying student calls for aid and reform. We are sick of the Board of Trustees voting against our interests. We are as hopeful as we are enraged. We understand that classism within the college system is systemic.

We believe Emerson can do better. We are the Emerson College Student Union, and we call for a just and equitable campus NOW.

who are you You are a student. To Emer$on, that means you are their next purchase of an empty building. You are money for Lee Pelton’s Beacon Hill Mansion.

You are overhead funds.

To us, you are a challenger. You are a revolutionary at a college digging in its heels in the face of change. You are the future of Emerson.

why ecsu?

There has been a 4% tuition increase every year for the past 5 years, totaling a 59% increase in tuition in just 10 years.

Students go hungry to afford necessities such as books, T-passes, and rent.

The finanical aid office hours are inaccessible for working students and the office is known for not responding to emails and calls.

Professors who are repeatedly hostile to students of color, of disability, and of the LGBT+ community face no consequences.

Low-income students are devalued and dismissed.

The College repeatedly ignores and suppresses student calls for change.

Because we deserve to be heard.

what is ecsu’s vision?

We commit to challenging the classist college system.

We commit to practicing solidarity with our fellow workers— from all Emerson faculty and staff to workers in boston and beyond.

We commit to building a fully stocked campus food pantry so no student goes hungry.

We commit to uplifting marginalized voices.

We commit to winning equal voting representation for students on the board of Trustees.

We commit to supporting power’s struggle to create a just, safe, and respectful campus for people of color.

We commit to creating a campus that is just, equitable, and diverse.

We commit to justice— will you?

Meet the board of trustees

They alone hold the voting power to decide everything from our tuition costs to their own board members. But I’m sure they have our best interests at heart...right?

In an email announcing the 4.0% tuition increase for the 2019-2020 academic year, President Lee Pelton cited many new programs as reasons for the increase. Here’s what they all have in common: we, the students, were not consulted about them. And we sure as hell didn’t agree that they were worth another annual tuition increase that pushes students out and forces remaining students deeper into debt.

Maybe we would have said yes to these changes...but they never asked us.

There is no mechanism in place holding the Board of Trustees accountable to students. They are free to spend our tuition dollars wherever they see fit. And then they’re free to force us to empty our wallets and cover whatever choices they’ve made. We’re forced to either give them the money, or abandon our degree.

What if we had a say? What if they had to pitch their reasons for increasing tuition to us? What if we could veto or approve changes in campus spending?

needs expressed by students: • • • •

Equitable Financial Aid for all A tuition freeze More support for off-campus students Increased racial diversity of students and faculty through equitable scholarships and aid

Recent board decisions: • To increase undergraduate tuition for returning students by 4.0% overall, as well as a 4.0% increase to room and board charges for the 2019-20 academic year • To spend over $1 million to expand the sidewalk in front of Boylston Street Buildings in 2019 • To purchase 134-136 Boylston Street for $7 million in 2018 • To purchase 171 Tremont Street for $24 million in 2017.

we say student > $$$ We demand equal voting representation on the board!

Emer$on Tuition facts: 1. Emer$on announces tuition increases on a per-year basis, preventing students from being able to adequately plan for the cost of their overall college journey.

2. There has been a 4% tuition increase every year for the past 5 years, totaling a 59% increase in tuition in just 10 years.

3. Tuition increases hit students on financial aid and scholarships the hardest. The overall cost of tuition may go up by 4%, but the amount a student on financial aid pays goes up a higher percentage beause their financial aid does not increase equally alongside tuition.

4. Emer$on claims it’s tuition increase is relative to its competitors such as Brandeis University, Boston College, and Northeastern University. Here’s what they don’t tell you: when granting financial aid, on average, Brandeis University meets 96% of student need, Boston College meets 92%, and Northeastern meets 86%. Emer$on, however, only meets 50% of student need on average. Our costs and tution increases may match theirs, but we’re actually paying much more. (collegedata.com) 5. Emer$on justifies these increases with the creation of shiny new programs and buildings— but students are not asked if they want these “improvements” nor are they informed of their cost to the College.

10 ways to survive and thrive at Emer$on: 1. Join orgs already fighting for change- on campus, and off!

2. Need help paying for course supplies, printing, transportation, and more? Apply for the Student Assistance Fund. Note: you will need to submit paperwork demonstrating financial need.

3. Visit the campus food pantry, located on the 2nd floor of Piano Row, for free non-perishable food and toiletries. It is open to all, no questions asked.

4. Get a free meal at the Dining Hall if you take a faculty member with you for a meal and tell the cashier you are using the Food For Thought program.

5. Join ECSU’s meal sharing Facebook messenger group to share and receive meal swipes.

Message ECSU on Facebook and we will add you (or if you know a member of the group, ask them to add you)!

6. Get a Boston Public Library card– besides hard-copy books, it also gives you access to ebooks and audiobooks, free streaming services, free museum passes, and free classes.

7. You can check out textbooks for free in the library– but plan around the fact that you can’t take them home, and the availability is limited.

8. Be kind to the Dining Hall and janitorial staff!

Learn their names and treat them kindly.

Solidarity begins with simple acts of respect.

9. Avoid doing an unpaid internship for class credit.

You’ll have to pay for the credit hours, so you’ll be paying to work for free!

10. Be on the lookout for a more detailed zine covering campus survival, courtesy of ECSU!

When we fight,

we win! a

ECstudentunion

Emerson College Student Union

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EmersonCollegeStudentUnion @gmail.com