College students are a pretty diverse group. They all have different interests and different political philosophies. There is, however, one thing that every student at Longwood, and every other college student, has in common (beyond the fact that they all attend college). No college student wants to see an increase in tuition at his or her institution.
There have been recent talks about increasing tuition at Longwood. A recent Board of Visitors meeting deferred the decision on the matter, but many students fear the worst. With a slow economy and a high rate of unemployment, especially among college students, this could pose a serious challenge to many students.
In response to the threat of increased tuition, and because this is the one cause that all college students can rally behind, Lancer Productions (LP) is hosting "The Rally to Keep Our Tuition Low" on Thursday (tomorrow) from 5:30 to 7 p.m., when students are encouraged to sign a petition to encourage the lowest increases possible.The event will be held on Lankford Student Union Mall and musician Preston Pugmire will perform. The idea was hatched at a Lancer Productions executive meeting after word of a potential 12 percent tuition increase spread.
"We were all very upset about this," said LP Mainstage Director, Sarah Nicholls, who has worked closely with other LP members including Thomas Bulisant to make the rally happen.
It was Missy Dillard, president of LP, according to Nicholls, who suggested combining the event with the performance by Pugmire, who she described as a "very loud and upbeat" performer. "He actually uses a megaphone," she said. LP members reasoned that Pugmire would be able to draw attention to the cause as the event occurs.
A Facebook event page for the event has attracted the attention of several concerned students. Nearly 300 have promised to attend the event, and the central location on campus ensures that many will wander by. The idea has gotten many students pretty excited. One student commented that she was "glad people are just as frustrated / broke" as she is; it's a sentiment that many Longwood students agree with.
Nicholls added, "One of the things that Longwood prides itself on is being like a private school, but with public school costs. Our goal is to keep it from being like a private school with private school costs."
The low costs and private school feel are what draw many students to Longwood. Some are concerned that an increase in tuition would also lead to a decrease in new student interest. Nicholls pointed out that it could drive away some incoming freshmen.
The rally promises to be an entertaining and poignant event. Students can enjoy a musical performance while making a statement in the best interest of all of their fellow students.
Weather.com forecasts a slightly cloudy 70-degree day, perfect weather for such an event.
"Come together to Keep Our Tuition Low!" urges the Facebook page. No doubt, many students will. Longwood students may have their differences, but this is one cause that every one of them can surely rally behind.
