By Sebastian Linan, Staff Reporter
Sometimes you just want to rot in bed all day after coming home from a long day of school and work. Like a lot of students, I have a busy schedule, and I know I’m not the only one who feels there’s often little incentive for people to hang around campus just to go to some event.
At the same time, like a lot of students, I want to make the most out of my remaining time as a college student – many of my fellow Toros feel the same way. I’m in my final year at CSUDH, and while I have enjoyed my time at events hosted by Associated Students, Inc. (ASI), I’ve experienced my fair share of disappointment with co-curricular activities.
Take the Spring Fling last semester, for example. Organizers had advertised that a beer garden would be included as a part of the night market. I was excited to buy my drink tickets, but ultimately disappointed when I pulled up the website and saw there was no such option. I visited the ASI office in the Loker Student Union to find out why, and was told it had been canceled. Further, that ASI had planned to tell students but never got around to posting the update.
As a commuter student, it’s frustrating to look forward to an event that fails to live up to expectations. It’s an all-too-familiar feeling I know is shared by many students at CSUDH – one that we almost just have to accept as part of the campus culture at Dominguez Hills.
Senior advertising and public relations student Saralydia Argumedo remembers when Spring Fling was a concert at Dignity Health Sports Park. When it comes to on-campus activities now, she could take it or leave it.
“I feel like my first two years it wasn’t much of a let down,” Argumedo said. “As a student, I wouldn’t go if I wasn’t required to.”
As a member of the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority, Argumedo is required to attend on-campus events to support recruitment. Without the sorority, she said, she’d be less aware of happenings at the university.
“But Sebastian,” you might say, “I see banners and posters for activities all the time along the East Walkway!” Sure, you see them, but are you really stopping to learn more? It’s easy for students to walk past the clutter on the wall, and let’s be honest, some students need to be told explicitly about what’s happening on campus. I think it would benefit the campus culture if the university put the same effort into promoting everyday events as they do for Welcome Week or Homecoming.
Plus, a lot of Toros are preoccupied with school and work, making them less likely to engage the campus community.
Senior psychology student Janeli Rubio has never attended a CSUDH event, nor does she follow CSUDH on social media.
“I just come here for school and leave,” Rubio said.
Although some students may just want to focus on their schoolwork, CSUDH should still consider ways to boost engagement. Senior audio engineering student and KDHR Radio producer Danny Garcia pointed a finger at university budget cuts, which have had a negative impact on activities.
“Some days, it feels a little rough planning things because I would like to prioritize student interest,” Garcia said. “It seems like these days, we’re having to plan around what would fit in the budget.”
Take the annual ASI Halloween Haunt, for example. ASI’s operating budget for the event this year has been reduced from $14,000 to $10,000. Likewise, the Spring Fling next semester has been cut from $50,000 to $35,000. Meanwhile, funding for ASI housing events and LSU programs remain at $1,500. ASI event coordinator Kevin Truong said event attendance has fallen off in recent years.
“As we’ve had concerts, numbers have dwindled,” Truong admitted. “It’s really hard to pick an artist that everyone likes, and it’s limiting to not open it up to the community.”
Kevin said shifting to student-led events like the night market would likely drum up interest, especially if student vendors are included.
It’s a good idea, but not a catch-all solution for some of the deeper issues affecting engagement and attendance. You can’t make up for poor communication and event coordination. Most folks are taking hits to their bank accounts right now, so if there are issues with the budget, students should be told flat-out rather than left to wonder why something changed.
Toros are working hard on and off campus, and celebrating that fact is something CSUDH should never skimp on. Putting time, money, and effort into student engagement will always yield a strong return on investment.
