The Student Association, on behalf of its constituents, is about to retaliate against raised tuition.
The SA recently unveiled plans to hold a rally outside the Student Union on Feb. 25 at 1:30 p.m., in response to Gov. George E. Pataki's proposed $1,200 tuition increase and cuts to state financial aid programs for the 2003-04 school year.
The rally will kick off the New York Public Interest Research Group's "Hike to Albany," a march that will call on volunteers from every SUNY institution to walk a few miles in a relay to the state capital, where they plan to protest on the steps of the SUNY Central Administration building.
"It's important that we speak with a unified voice, if we want someone to listen," said SA President Christian Oliver.
"I have two jobs, and I'm maxed out on my loans," said Kim Downing, a junior business major. "Any kind of protest of the tuition hike is something I can get behind."
Hoping to "turn some heads" in Albany and grab the attention of the media, Oliver said the SA has set out to collect 10,000 "specialized" petitions addressed to SUNY Chancellor Robert King and Chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees Thomas Egan. The petitions, which were published in the latest issue of Visions magazine, outline the SA's concerns regarding the $1,200 tuition increase.
According to one statistic listed on a flyer for the event, student fees have increased an average of 242 percent since 1991.
Oliver said he hopes each SA staff member can collect 200 signed petitions.
SA Treasurer Naazli Ahmed said there are tentative plans for free food and entertainment for those who attend the rally.
According to Ahmed, SA also hopes to clarify questions students might have about the governor's education plan at the rally. "(A) responsibility of officers of the student body is to provide a venue for education as well as protest," she said.
"I've talked to many students that don't realize that the increase will not enhance what they are already receiving," Ahmed said. "There won't be better teachers or new technology, students won't see any changes outside of a larger tuition bill."
Despite his suspicion that the university is "plagued with apathy," Oliver said he anticipates "student solidarity" and a large turnout for the rally.
"This is something that affects everyone," he said.
Angela Carrasquillo, a junior majoring in social sciences, said it is easy for students in large universities to be ignored.
"It's about time SA gave us the chance to be heard," Carrasquillo said.
Igor Odessky, a junior undecided major, questioned the effectiveness of the SA protest.
"There's bureaucracy on all sides," Odessky said. "What could a demonstration organized by administrators accomplish?"
In response to such criticism, Oliver said that "Overall, students still have faith in what were doing."
"My job isn't to concern myself with criticism, my job is to get things done," he said.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
