Nursing program increases cost
TUESDAY August 30, 2011 volume 97, issue 3 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M
facebook.com/dailyaztec twitter: thedailyaztec
SCAN CODE FOR MOBILE CONTENT
SDSU’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT N E W S PA P E R SINCE 1913
INDEX:
SPORTS MCT CAMPUS
Bill Crotty news editor A recent change to course materials in the nursing program at San Diego State has met unhappy resistance from many students affected. The program is one of the most competitive at SDSU and students who are in the five-semester program, like many students pursuing other degrees in other areas, were made aware of the general requirements at the outset of their education. However, a few weeks ago, an email from Interim Director of the School of Nursing John Lantz informed students
in the program of a new course requirement that could cost each student as much as $773. In a letter to students, Catherine Todero, who currently serves as the VA Nursing Academy School of Nursing program director, told students the product is comprehensive and designed for the entire five semesters. She also noted the cost has been prorated for students who have already completed courses and it includes a review for a test students in the program are required to take, which would normally cost students an additional $300 to $400. This will decrease the cost to $484 for seniors, according to one of the students affected.
According to Lantz, for nursing majors beginning this year, most courses will require students to purchase the ATI program because it will aid students in several critical areas. Students in the program have asked to remain annonymous, but many have said they will not buy it regardless of the department requiring the materials. Those displeased with this addition claimed the requirement is ill timed in addition to the product being unfair to students and this cost way too expensive to force on such short notice. According to recent estimates by the California State University system, the average cost of books and supplies
for students at SDSU for this academic school year is $1,661. Students who started SDSU’s nursing program last year said their costs for the very first semester were about $2,000, but this new addition will increase that amount closer to $3,000. These same students can be removed from their major merely for receiving a C- in any of their required classes, with no guarantee of readmittance. Strict requirements, difficult course materials and little notice of the new fees are the core for complaints within the major.
see Cost Breakdown graphic on page 2
Presidents speak at convocations Recent assemblies draw thousands to Viejas Arena Bill Crotty news editor Last Saturday, San Diego State University President Elliot Hirshman, Associated Students President Cody Barbo and other prominent faculty spoke to a crowd estimated at more than 6,000 people at Viejas Arena. According to Barbo, the convocation is an address by university officials given at the beginning of each
semester, and this year’s could be described as “the kickoff event to your Aztec career.” This event built upon last Thursday’s event, where Hirshman’s speech addressed the accomplishments SDSU continues to achieve in research and the community, despite difficult circumstances caused in part by the budget crisis. Although overshadowed by some doubt, Hirshman did emphasize the groundwork that foreshadows future success. “As we begin a new year, no one can predict the short-term fluctuations of markets or the economy,” he said on Thursday. “What I can say with complete certainty is that the
work we will do together this year will help us accomplish our mission of education, research and service and will lay the foundation for our long-term success.” On the other hand, at the New Student and Family Convocation, Barbo focused more on the students directly, and challenged students to take a more prominent role in the shaping of the university. “If you graduate with just a degree, you didn’t take advantage of all the opportunity this university has to offer,” Barbo said. He also said Saturday’s event was streamed live to approximately 1,000 viewers.
Read about the men’s soccer team’s narrow one-goal win against Canisius
T R AV E L & A DV E N T U R E Discover how to camp in style and luxery with the new glamping trend.
4
Read columnist Leo Castaneda’s take on a recent change in illegal immigration policy.
8
OPINION
W E AT H E R :
ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR
PARTLY CLOUDY HIGH: 76 LOW: 65 SUNSET: 7:16 PM