Comments on: Dangerous UC Tuition Hikes

By: James2000

James2000 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:29:44 +0000

No one here is saying a college education should be handed out like candy – what Nick is saying is that a college education should be accessible to all who are capable and desiring of one. There is a fundamental difference between elitism and prequalification which I don’t think Monica or “grip” understand. If a student in California is smart enough to get into college / uni, he or she shouldn’t be unable to attend because of financial constraint – which is exactly what thee tuition hikes are going to do. The only thing “elite” about university should be the academic promise of the students therein (which in my opinion still does not merit the term “elite”). A statement like “university needs to be elite” is positively absurd, especially taking into consideration the UC system is a PUBLIC university system established to serve the PUBLIC citizens of California.

If you have the brains, you should need nothing else. No one is arguing that university should take unintelligent students.

By: grip

grip — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:39:49 +0000

In Canada there are only public universities – a welcome change from the “money” temples of the United States. Unfortunately, I partially agree with Monica that higher public eduction needs to be available not to everyone but only to the most well-qualified. If you let “everyone” in you’re devaluing a university education. This will begin the race towards ever higher degrees (MBAs and PhDs spring to mind). One thing and only one thing should enable you to attend a public university (if you’re a resident of the state) — are you among the most qualified (academically + extra-curricular activities)? If you are, then the funding must be there if you need it and you must pay the full tuition if your family can “afford” it.

By: sundds

sundds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:06:45 +0000

“A university needs to be for the elite” – you obviously don’t understand the concept of a public education system.

The University of California is a public university, which was established to serve the public. “Elite” education institutions are private, which is why we have both public and private universities.

Also, I’m assuming you have not been enrolled in a university as of late – scholarships are increasingly sparse, especially in public university bursar offices. Great grades and extra-curriculars no longer guarantee any financial assistance of any kind.

By: monica

monica — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:58:15 +0000

It’s time that the UC system tried to balance the budget and make the cost of education more adequately address the cost of delivering it. They’ve cut salaries and other expenses, I’m sure their endowment has suffered. We live in a capitalistic society. If you’re a really good student, I’m sure that you will receive scholarships that will more than make up for the increased fees. A university needs to be for the elite (academic elite) and not for the masses. If they want schooling, then they’ll have to pay for it and go to the CalState system or a community college. This move will remove undesirable students who don’t contribute to the intellectual climate of the UC system.