State Budget threat to EOP
Losing the Educational Opportunity Program, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger s budget goes through, will devastate disadvantaged students who seek a first-rate education at Chico State (please see Brooke Rose's story on A-1).
EOP is an important program that helps low-income, first-generation students adjust to life in college.
Entering college is hard enough as a first-year student, but with no support at home from family members who have gone through the college experience, the services offered by EOP are essential.
The 36-year-old program offers financial aid advice, career planning, help with filling out applications, tutors, loans and learning workshops.
When EOP is cut many students who work in the office will lose their jobs and friends.
Though EOP is not limited to minorities, the program has helped bring diversity to the campus, and without the program these groups will be at a disadvantage.
EOP is a foundation for students throughout their academic career.
The loss of community and support will be a blow to students who might need all the help they can get to stay in school.
It seems as though every time there are budget cuts, support services are the first to get the ax and the hardest to lose.
President Zingg's first order of business, now that he has begun at Chico State may have to be the outside fund raising he is supposed to be so good at.
Donations may be the only thing that keeps needed programs like EOP up and running.
Dailey's Decision
Associated Students President Michael Dailey made a bad call when he recommended the A.S. should rent out the Bell Memorial Union to Champion Christian, his old high school, for a discount over winter break (please see Ashley Coleman's story on A-1).
Favoritism in a public servant doesn't fly with constituents, and Dailey would do well to learn this lesson now.
If you are the president of the student body, that is a mantle you wear in dealing with the university.
You are not just a student. Someone like President Bush can't say, "Hey, right now I'm not the president, I'm just George."
Questionable ethical decisions cause a loss of credibility.
We understand that the high school paid $700 to use the facility, which is $700 more than we would have had if the building stood empty.
But where is the line drawn for giving discounts?
If one group receives a $900 discount, then it follows that any group without enough funds should get a break too.
In fact, if they rented it out to, say, Dailey's dentist for $5, that would be $5 more than they had when they started.
That would have to be worth it, too, according to Dailey's rule-breaking logic.
What made Champion Christian so special?
Oh yeah, Dailey went to school there.
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