By Bridget Brown
Would you pay upfront for a party you would not be interested in attending?
The Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) sets aside 10 percent of each undergraduate's student government fees to be used strictly for physical tangible changes on campus. Last week, the ASUP Senate approved a resolution to change the constitution to allow the CIF to be used towards holding events on campus - such as concerts - called the Major Project Fund (MPF).
There will be an election in the PilotsUP Portal Nov. 15-16 to have the student body formally vote on this amendment. This decision is not in line with the original vision of this fund. Changing the CIF to a MPF is creating unrealistic expectations that will not be fulfilled.
Until the administration starts addressing the physical needs of the campus in a timelier manner, we should not alter the CIF. The student body holds the power to make physical improvements as we see fit using these funds. This is especially important as we prepare for the changes that our campus is about to undergo due to the RISE Campaign.
Recently, I became aware that construction will begin on the Library next May. This means the Library will be closed all of next academic year for renovations. I frequently hear fellow students complain about lack of study space on campus. With the Library out of use, this issue will be magnified. The CIF could be utilized to create lasting alternative study spaces.
As our campus transforms, issues will only continue to arise. The strategic planners cannot anticipate everything, and we should keep this money to deal with unexpected physical demands. The CIF empowers students to deal with problems that are overlooked by the administration.
Changing the CIF to a MPF is not feasible. We will be setting our expectations too high, and it can only result in disappointment.
The Senate has dropped big name performers like Kanye West or Lupe Fiasco. I researched the cost of other campuses holding major concerts and discovered it initially cost Boise State University $55,000 to secure Lupe Fiasco last April. Also, there will be a multitude of other expenses we are failing to recognize. These include but are not limited to security, ticket sales, venue costs, travel arrangements, hotel accommodations and meals for the performer and their crew.
The CIF is only $20,000. How will we make up the difference?
Furthermore, a concert is a single short-lived event that will not benefit the entire student body, whereas a physical improvement to our campus is available and accessible to all forever. All students would be contributing their fees to host this concert but not everyone would want to attend or be able to attend. Finding a performer with enough widespread appeal would be nearly impossible. Most people would rather see a performer of their choosing at an established venue in Portland rather than a "D-List" artist in Chiles.
The timeline of holding a major event also poses a problem. For the next two years, ASUP has already donated the fall CIF money to the RISE Campaign. Thus, we only have the spring CIF available.
Planning, organizing and putting on a concert of this caliber could not be executed by the end of the year. Seniors would be at a disadvantage and essentially paying for a giant party that they would not be able to attend. Even if we were to open the event up to alumni, the majority would not be able to go or be aware of the opportunity.
At this time it is not in the student body's best interest to change the CIF. The funds are insufficient and the logistics of holding an event like a concert are not realistic. I highly encourage the student body to seriously consider the resolution at hand and vote in the upcoming election.
