Instead of attempting to lure students by building lavish recreational facilities, state universities across the country should focus on meeting students' needs for quality professors and better educational facilities.
University developments should be based upon a student's need, not a student's need to be amused. Ohio University's plans for a new student center are practical. The proposed plans will provide students with meeting rooms, office space for student organizations, dining options, a ballroom for speakers and an art gallery.
According to The New York Times, the University of Southern Mississippi plans to build a water park, while The Ohio State University is spending $140 million on a complex that includes indoor batting cages, kayaks, canoes, a ropes course and a climbing wall that allows 50 students to climb simultaneously. University officials claim the superior facilities will help draw out-of-state students, but that is not what state universities should focus on. The mission of a state school is to affordably provide the best education possible for the students in their respective state. Building prolific recreational complexes only raises tuition and increases university debt.
It should be the quality of the education, not the quality of the recreational facilities on campus, that draws students to a school. Academically minded students, who should be the target audience of any college or university, will look for a school that has a reputable academic program and distinguished professors. Providing students with centers where they can grow both academically and socially is more important than providing students with a 53-person Jacuzzi, such as the one at Washington State University.
Addition of new businesses good move for Athens
The Athens community should welcome the new business developments on East State Street. The addition of companies such as Staples, Blockbuster Video and Lowe's Home Improvement will bring services that are not offered in Athens, not to mention the jobs and revenue that will help the city and its surrounding areas.
Instead of relying on campus bookstores for school and office supplies, Athens residents will have the cost-efficient alternative of Staples. Blockbuster Video will provide a larger selection of movies from which to choose, and Lowe's Home Improvement will tap into Athens' need for a one-stop home and garden shop. All of these companies will create jobs for Athens residents and for Ohio University students.
The arrival of these new businesses also will spark healthy competition among smaller, locally-owned businesses. Critics might argue the arrival of such big-name corporations will cause local businesses to fold, but perhaps those businesses should be eliminated. If a company is not efficiently providing a service to consumers, then it should be no surprise when it is shut down.
Smaller businesses around Athens still will have their perks. The familiarity and convenience of local stores undoubtedly will help them keep their loyal customers.
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