The Cost of Education By: Reymundo Gamino
Today’s Lesson:
-Benito Juárez -Simon Bolivar -José Martí -Bernado O’higgins -José de San Martín 8
Phiota!
Winter 2011
With the recent budget cuts going on throughout higher learning institutions students have lost countless programs and facilities. Here at University of California San Diego (UCSD) students have been dealt a huge blow by these budget cuts. Over the last year, the school has closed three main library facilities: the Medical Center Library (April 2011); the Center for Library & Instructional Computing Services (CLICS) (June 2011); and the International Relations & Pacific Studies (IR/PS) Library (July 2011).
With tuitions fees being raised every year it doesn’t make sense why all of these libraries are being shut down. It would make sense that our dollars be used to better our library facilities as well as other programs. We, the students, are paying top dollar to attend a school of higher learning that should do its best to provide us an environment that promotes learning. In order to create a more academic environment the campus administration has to understand that closing libraries is the last thing that should be on their lists to go when managing the budget. The libraries are the Cutting funding towards our schools libraries way in which we accomplish our mission here should be the last option that should be as students. implemented when looking to save money. Libraries serve as safe havens for students in As of a couple days ago all three libraries have search of a quiet and peaceful environment to remained closed and see no signs of opening. study in. Located about a hundred yards away In recent news students began to camp out from Revelle, UCSD’s oldest college (UCSD of CLICS starting finals week in an effort to is divided into 6 different colleges), CLICS open the facility. CLICS used to remain open was an icon for high-academic achievement. twenty four seven during the week of finals. With its closure Revelle students are left Students were able to force themselves in and without a convenient close-by place to study able to temporarily convince administration and are forced to traverse a long distance to get to keep it open for the remainder of finals to the nearest library. Moat students resort to week. In the end this can serve as hope for our studying in their rooms which are inadequate diminishing libraries throughout campus. places at best for anyone trying to seek wisdom and knowledge. I have personally faced this problem and have found it really troublesome to find a good place to study. CLICS was my “to go” place to study. It had it all: computers, books, study rooms and presentation rooms.
Winter 2011
Phiota! 9