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SGA fees seem not to benefit students

Some Student Government Association members are asking for about a $125,000 budget increase to come out of our pockets.

And while this increase amounts to only a $10 increase in fees for each student, it still adds up to a 50 percent hike.

If SGA is asking for more of our money, then it is only fair that we ask for something in return. And it would be nice to know what that something is before we hand over our hard earned money.

Some SGA members say Programming Council desperately needs more funds if it wants to bring in big name acts, host more events and invite more speakers.

We think these are admirable goals. But it is apparent most of the campus does not share our views. With the exception of Howdy Week and Homecoming, most PC events are sparsely attended.

Many students haven’t bothered to attend those big name acts that SGA members have already brought in.

A Goo Goo Dolls concert here in 1999 left a gaping hole in PC’s budget because it could not sell enough tickets. In 1997, PC hosted the Indigo Girls at Will Rogers Coliseum and could only sell 1,000 of the 2,800 tickets available.

Just under 50 percent of the undergraduates attending TCU live on campus. People have busy schedules, and taking time out to attend a function can tend to be not very feasible.

One must begin to wonder if students really want big name events after all.

PC’s record at encouraging student participation is poor at best. It is silly to ask for money to program events nobody will attend.

If the increase passes, SGA needs to be sure it doesn’t waste more money.