LC Meridian

Issue date: 4/1/07 Section: Election 2007

Students at Lehman College might get a surprise next semester when they see their bursar receipts. The Lehman Elections of 2007 are approaching and one of the issues on the ballot is increasing the student activity fee.

Although the activity fee that students pay now is a comfortable rate of $55 per semester, such a minimal amount certainly affects facets of the school that could use more money. One particular area that could benefit from an increase in funds is the athletics department.

Lehman sports teams often have to fund raise for themselves. After speaking with a few coaches at the school, it became clear that fundraising helps their program in various ways: recruiting, equipment, travel, jackets and other important supplies.

"Teams have raised funds the past few years for basic things and I do feel it affects our program," said one coach who wished to remain anonymous.

Lehman College athletics have struggled to attain excellence in the CUNY Conference on a consistent basis. Some feel the lack of funds the athletic program receives has a correlation with the program's mediocrity.

"It is hard to recruit potential student-athletes when you have to tell them they have to raise funds in order to get some bare necessities," the coach stated.

With better players coming out of high school knowing that if they come to play for Lehman they have to be superb athletes, keep a good grade point average, and be good sales people, this might influence their decision to come to our school. With above average athletes looking at schools that offer more trips, better equipment, nicer facilities, and more resources, Lehman's sports program is hindered from being competitive year to year.

Lehman Lightning track coach Leslie Hogg also feels that the student activity fee should be raised but not necessarily just to enhance the athletics department. "The student activity fee needs to be raised so that the general student body can continue to receive the services that are being provided for them, it is not just an athletic issue," says Coach Hogg.

For the past three years athletes have petitioned to raise the student activity fee, but it has not been supported. However, some students say that they are not against the proposed increase in student activity fee. "If paying a few more extra dollars helps our teams be more competitive, then I'm all for it," says sophomore Darius Carter. Students alone determine whether or not the activity fee is raised and most feel that the fee should be raised just to acknowledge the hard work of the athlete's works over the years. "The athletes extend themselves they have the same responsibilities as any other student. They are mothers and fathers. They work, they study and they manage to give a little extra to the college, they deserve better," says Coach Hogg.

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