A pricey celebration

Not many students seemed to be aware of the costs of homecoming this year. In fact, the budget was $14,000 more than last year’s. The budget this year totaled $66,000.

Some seemed incredulous at the price they were paying to celebrate school spirit.

“That’s crazy,” said Amanda Morgan, a senior education major. “I wouldn’t even spend $10,000.”

SGA President Ryan Greene said that the increased costs were necessary to provide what students wanted.

“Students asked for more pride on campus,” said Greene. “We’re doing this for the students.”

Greene explained that the money for homecoming comes from the student activity fee which currently sits at $69 per student. This fee is slated to increase by $8 next year. The homecoming budget also comes partially from a reserve fund which also funds Bobcat Vision. Another determining factor is the Student Activity Budget Committee which chooses how to spend money.

“Every year, the budget is proposed, and students can complain,” Greene said.

Despite this, students had varying opinions on the costs of homecoming. Some were happy to see such spirit on campus.

“GCSU is lacking in school spirit. This is a good way to boost it,” said Maria Acosta, a freshman political science major.

Homecoming was memorable for one student as a new experience and something she had never had before.
“For me, it’s my first homecoming,” said freshman Stephanie Clark. “I’m proud of it.”

Others were less enthusiastic.

“I thought it was fun, but there could have been more activities,” said Courtney Timmerman, a freshman business management major.

Some students felt left out because of the coinciding Greek Week.

“I didn’t really participate because I’m not in a Greek organization,” Elizabeth Moon, junior art major said.

However, as students see budget cuts happening around them, including a nearly 10 percent cut to the university’s budget, and struggle with economic issues, some question whether so much money should have been allocated to one week of activities.
“It seems a little excessive,” said Brittany Hughes, a senior education major.

Freshman Kirsten Rice agreed.

“I bet we could use that money on better things,” Rice said.

After being saddled with a $100 fee on top of other school-related expenses, others wondered where the money came from.

“It should go toward the extra fee we have to pay,” said Becca Johnson, a freshman mass communication major.

With such a wide spectrum of opinions on homecoming, student opinions, budget changes and other factors may affect what will happen with Homecoming next year.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 27 2009. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry