TO THE EDITOR:
Tuition is an issue that affects every individual on UNC’s campus. Monday’s article, “Cooper to support tuition hikes,” discusses student body president, Mary Cooper’s plan to convince students that these tuition hikes are integral to the future of our university.
As a student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, I have fought to get into classes as budget cuts have wreaked havoc on the school. I agree that an increase in tuition may be the only option to turn things around. However, I understand that these changes must be made with great caution.
I spent the 2010-2011 academic year on exchange at King’s College in London. There, I witnessed the violent uproar that resulted from university students in outrage because their voice had not been heard. When parliament voted to increase tuition for universities in the United Kingdom, riots ensued.
While I do not believe UNC’s campus would decline into chaos, I do believe that it is absolutely essential to let students know that their voice is being heard. While it is a practical first step to involve student government, it is vital that every aspect of this process be shared with the student body and that every effort is made to allow the campus to express its opinions and concerns regarding tuition hikes.
UNC has been consistently ranked among the “best deal” universities, where an affordable price is matched with an exemplary education. This doesn’t have to change, but we must be willing to openly communicate changes that will be made, and what they mean for our campus.
Sarah Peck
Senior
Journalism, English
