"Private schools, public funding"

UB has a reputation for nickel-and-diming students in terms of dorm costs, tuition hikes, fees and even bookstore charges. Like many other public schools, UB relies heavily on funding from the state. While NY has always boasted the value it places on education, state funds have now been generously allotted to private schools including New York University and Columbia University.

The trouble is that these private schools can rely on wealthy alumni to send money their way. According to The Buffalo News, NYU is working on a $2.5 billion fundraising campaign. If NYU has the alumni to fork over that much dough, why can't public funding remain where it belongs, in the public sphere?

In contrast, UB has been forced to slash budgets and certificate programs to avoid breaking the bank. The marketing and public relations certificate, in addition to the business minor were two programs to get the axe in recent years. With other programs on the verge or the fence of extinction when it comes to funding for their programs, why aren't UB officials on their hands and knees asking the new governor for the cash to fund our dwindling academic programs?

Ironically, business programs at UB are renowned. Similar to the way Buffalo tries to have a winning team each year, we want things like Stanley Cups, Superbowl rings and a business program known the world over...we just don't want to pay to keep them alive.

State money is being allotted to fund education, but right now it's benefiting the private collegiate sector, while public schools are left to struggle. Public schools are undoubtedly getting a piece of the pie, but should we really be getting the same sized slice as a private school that is allowed to charge private tuition rates?

Or should the private sector get the crumbs, while public schools reap the benefits of being publicly funded - pie, whipped cream and everything in between.

Last year, SUNY secured $1 billion in federal funding, according to the SUNY Web Site. While it might seem like a large amount, most of that allotment was likely directed towards university researchers. While our tuition is relatively low, we pay in other ways. UB doesn't have enough of anything to go around, whether it's dorm rooms, classrooms or Stephen Colbert tickets.

Future generations will have to pay even more if SUNY fails to get the money it needs to sustain itself and still keep the ever-popular low tuition rates from skyrocketing. David Paterson should continue pushing for a SUNY endowment of $4 billion, just as Spitzer had. But more importantly, NY officials need to reexamine just where funding is being sent.

Try spending a night in our dorms, sitting in our classes and eating our residence hall food. Then decide where money should be spent.