Make your opinion heard

College students spend a lot of money on student fees, but do any of us know why? Most students do not know where their money is being spent, and it appears that many do not care.

At Chadron State College, the Student Senate allocates thousands of dollars every school year on various events, speakers, and activities for students to attend and participate in. When Senate plans to ask for an allocation of more than $5,000 or has important subjects to discuss, it hosts an open forum for students to voice their opinions on the particular subject.

This courtesy hasn’t always been granted to students. Under other leadership, Senate hasn’t hosted forums to hear students’ thoughts and students were expected to show up to a Senate meeting to voice their opinions.

The Eagle appreciates Senate’s idea of hosting the forums. We see that they are trying, and we applaud the leadership for that.

Now, The Eagle has a problem with you, the students. The Eagle covers each of these open public forums and we have noticed a consistent pattern of little to no students in attendance. Students are often quick to voice their opinions in casual discussion and sometimes on social media, but recently when they have been given a chance to stand up and have a say in where their money is spent or how their student government bodies operate, they don’t take advantage of the opportunity that is put before them.

We want students to stand up and express their opinions regarding their student activity fees to their student leaders. The money that students pay is being spent and when they are given a chance to influence the spending one way or another, they should take the opportunity. When students are given the chance to attend an open forum, they should take time out of their day to attend it.

Student Senate has been spending money on events and speakers all school year. At Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting, Senate allocated $35,300 for the Spring Daze event in April. While Spring Daze is the largest allocation this school year, there are several small ones that have been adding up. Among these that have been allocated in recently are $4,500 for the circus in April and $6,000 for water bottle filling stations.

As students, it is our responsibility to be aware of where our money is being spent and to make a strong effort to voice our opinions when it comes to where our money is spent.

Whether you agree with the spending or not, find the courage to voice your opinion. Whether you take the time to go to an open forum or attend the weekly Senate meetings, voicing your opinion will earn our respect and appreciation.