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You are right on, pdx. And those two positions DO NOT HAVE VOTING RIGHTS. Doesn't sound like we'll have much of a say at all, does it.

posted 2 years, 4 months ago
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As a current University of Oregon student, I witness the impact firsthand of tuition increases and lack of accountability in the tuition setting process. Some of the hardest-working people I know are fellow students who are in their fifth or sixth year, and it is definitely not because they are slacking off. These are folks who hold positions in student government, are the presidents of their student groups and unions, athletes, fraternity and sorority members, and people who are serious about their goals. The students I'm talking about are taking extra time in school because the price of tuition is too high. The population size of UO is skyrocketing along with tuition, and students are having a difficult time accessing the classes they need to graduate, not to mention the time they are forced to take off from school to work and save up for the increasing tuition. 

While I respect your opinions, Jacob, this is not the 1940s. If it were, perhaps students could afford to attend Oregon public colleges and universities instead of hassling with the costs that have doubled or even tripled in the past 20 years. 

If the state wants to see "less rudderless students in limbo" who are instead "earning money, starting families, buying homes and becoming mature adults", as you say, then the state needs to make education possible. As evidenced by wins in the past decade by organizations such as the Oregon Student Association (which has won over $75 million for universities and $45 million for community colleges since 2000), it is accountability in the tuition setting process by elected officials that keeps costs low and provides access to a greater number of students. We make our voices heard in the legislature through OSA in a way that wouldn't be possible with deregulation. 

Letting tuition continue to spike without holding decision makers accountable will not lead to a more educated Oregon. Don't price students out of an education. Give us access to opportunities and let us have a voice in our future and the future of Oregon.

posted 2 years, 4 months ago
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