A Great value

When he began his campaign, Scott Walker made it clear that he was going to balance the state budget while creating more jobs in Wisconsin. The governor also stressed the importance of the University of Wisconsin System being more cautious with their spending. And although the state will not be funding the university at the level previously, the UW-La Crosse community will continue to adapt.

Students at UW-L value their academics and are willing to pay for a quality education. Those who support Walker's idea for lower spending within the system realize that unneeded bureaucracy and overlap in responsibilities of system employees is the real issue; not rising costs of education itself. They also believe cutting back on extras will allow the focus to return to replacing outdated lab equipment along with higher pay for faculty and have cash to spare.

When the budget cuts began in 2009, students showed support for UW-L with a positive attitude toward the segregated university fees. According to the UW-L Cashiers Office, segregated fee funding is designed to provide funds for recreational, cultural, and leisure activities and groups that are not funded through other state appropriations. There wasn't an issue when questioning whether or not students would encourage the segregated fees because the available resources, organizations, and other commodities were well worth the price.

Despite what some have said, the previous increase in tuition was not seen as punishment but rather an investment. Students want UW-L to remain among the top universities and adjusting to the tuition increase won't be a problem. UW-L is rapidly on its way to providing students with an exceptional academic experience because of the high expectations that have been set.

Consider the wide array of services and the excellent faculty to student ratio we have here and be thankful. If we want to maintain the standards we have set at this university then sacrifices must be made and money must be spent either out of pockets from the students or come as a state income tax increase. State money does not "grow on trees" and something has to give eventually.

The opportunity afforded to students by a four year degree far outweighs the current price tag. For around 50K students leave with four years of priceless life experiences and a degree to get them started in a field that they are truly passionate about.

While Walker's plan for the UW System made sense to most, there are still some who find some sort of satisfaction in portraying him as the "bad guy." According to AP reporter Ryan Foley, leaders of the UW System said that budget cuts in recent years have reduced services, increased class sizes and made their salaries less competitive. This wasn't seen with UW-L's services as they have actually increased, creating longer library hours, and, in the fall of 2011, more class rooms.