News Highlights

Small things add up in the college experience

Editorial viewpoint

Small things are important in the college experience, which is why the University and its student government should continue to find ways to fund student activities, The Free Press editorializes.

2007-05-03
An editorial in The Free Press, Mankato, MN [published 5/3/2007]

Sometimes the absence of activities, or even the appearance of an absence of activities, can sap the vitality of college life.

And so it behooves staff and students at Minnesota State to continue searching for ways to make the “little” ends meet.

To be sure, MSU is a university on the go, with enlightened long-term plans to increase in size and prestige. But sharing a vision can be difficult to do across a spectrum, and a lack of funding for student activities and groups can make a wonderful experience turn somewhat pale.

MSU has seen some challenges, of late, to make the little pieces come together. On Sunday, the annual spring concert took place, but a recent student government decision to ax funding means it may not return. Other budget cuts were made as well, including one involving the Blue Earth Review literary magazine. This comes just a couple of weeks after a student vote nixing a plan that would have increased fees to pay for more than $14 million in outdoor athletic and recreational facilities.

In the midst of all this, we learned recently of a comprehensive review of student fees by a Minnesota State economics student who says wasteful spending is widespread. He advocates austerity — no athletics, no organized student activities, no student-run media, no student fees going to theater productions or the LGBT Center and Women’s Center.

OK, there are constituencies on campus for a streamlined approach. That’s not a surprise, nor is it something to criticize. The typical college student today is struggling to stay financially stable. Many of them understandably are far more concerned about their own daily requirements than all the special activities that place their institution ahead of the curve culturally as well as academically.

Still, leaders at MSU (and that includes leaders in the student population) need to find a way to communicate the large picture — that a university must continually strive to provide little extras. Little extras add up to big extras. When too many of them fall by the wayside, the college shine can become a tedious bore.

MSU has shine. But there will probably always be a certain percentage of students who lack team spirit. The university’s appeal is such that it attracts students from across the state, but that also means students who hail from communities outside the Mankato vicinity are often more interested in leaving for the weekend than enjoying their weekends here.

Minnesota State indeed has big plans in store, but we trust that although funding is hard to come by for all the “little things,” actions will continue to be taken to find ways to make them happen. Bigger and better buildings are great, but the regular everyday activities add up to provide real atmosphere. Activities, clubs and special events help make the university experience what we all dreamed it would be.

For more Free Press news go to www.mankatofreepress.com.

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