Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the recently premiered film, “The Great Gatsby.” – Photo courtesy warnerbros.com

CODY SEXTON
Staff Reporter

Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” was met with mixed reviews by early viewers who said while Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a great performance, the rest of the film was lacking.

David Denby from the New Yorker said Luhrmann was “less a filmmaker than a music video director with endless resources and a stunning absence of taste.”

Filmmakers always take a risk when the decision is made to turn a beloved book into a movie.

This can sometimes leave fans with mixed emotions of excitement about a book they like being turned into a film and concern about whether the film will do the book justice.

Some are often skeptical and worry the film will not live up to the expectations of what they envisioned when reading the book themselves.

Jessica Sanchez, a senior graphic design major, said she has learned to not expect much from films inspired by books after the “Twilight” franchise was butchered by bad casting and poor direction.

“I loved the book so much and ever since the movie came out, I have resented the movie industry,” she said. “The acting was what killed it most for me.”

However, Sanchez said she has been pleasantly surprised by some movies inspired by books she has read.

“‘Life of Pi’ was really well done,” she said. “I adored the book and the way I pictured it in my head was beautiful, and when I found out they were making a movie out of the book I was nervous because a lot of books’ movies are not well done.”

Another problem Sanchez said filmmakers run into are time constraints.

“It’s a book and you have to squeeze all these details into a three-hour movie,” she said. “That’s really hard to do, and sometimes the people you picture in your head for the characters for the book don’t match them in the movie at all.”

Some believe when filmmakers take too much creative leeway adapting a book into a movie, it ultimately leaves fans disappointed.

Trey Carpenter, a junior electrical engineering major, said when a fan goes to see a film made out of a book, there are certain things they expect to see in the film.

“I feel like ‘Eragon’ was one of the worst book-to-film adaptations I’ve ever seen,” Carpenter said. “In the way they changed the story overall, the movie wasn’t that bad; but when a fan goes to see a movie based on a book, there are certain scenes we all expect.”

Carpenter said he is excited about the new “Gatsby” film and is looking forward to it.

“It looks like they have done a good job capturing the important elements of the story, the grandeur, the vibrancy and the fast-paced storyline—all leading to what I hope is an excellent movie.”

Ernest Rufleth, an English professor at Tech, said making films from movies is a great idea because stories found in books are usually composed of the best story lines.

“We want to make movies out of these books because they’re great stories,” Rufleth said. “Some who we would call ‘purists’ go to see these films and are disappointed because the movie is not just like the book, and you can’t always expect it to be.”

However, Rufleth said filmmakers need to take the books’ fans into consideration when filming.

“They have to balance the fans’ needs with their desire to make money off the film,” he said.

“Filmmakers need to find the medium to try to keep them both happy.”

Email comments to cls...@latech.edu.

DANIEL GETSINGER
Staff Reporter

People lined up at the door to play the game we all grew up knowing and loving, rock, paper, scissors.

Last Tuesday, Union Board hosted its annual Rock Paper Scissors Tournament in the Tonk.

Marissa Lee, a sophomore biology major, said she was excited about the turnout because this is one of the best events for Union Board.

“We had a good number of people who came so we were all proud that people were as excited about it as we are,” Lee said. “This is a smaller event, but it has always been something that a lot of people want to participate in.”

Lee said this is one of the annual events that Union Board tries to promote as much as its big events.

“The Rock Paper Scissors Tournament is one of the special events each year like Spring Fling and Fall Fling,” Lee said.  “That way people know about it in advance and they will be more likely to come and hang out.”

Lee also said this year’s prizes were some of the best she had seen while serving on Union Board.

“It’s just a fun and convenient way to get out of the house, hang out and play a game that everyone loves to play and win some cool prizes for free,” Lee said.  “The prizes this year were a 39-inch Vizio T.V., Beats by Dre, a Go Pro camera and cash.”

Others students who came out for the tournament were fired up about it and getting to play Rock Paper Scissors.

Nathan Ruppel, a freshman mechanical engineering major, said he had been waiting on the tournament since it is wrapping up the Union Board events.

“I saw it on Facebook a while back and decided it would be something fun to do with my spare time,” Ruppel said.  “Since it is the last Union Board event of the year I wanted to try and win some free stuff.”

Another student said he knew about the tournament before he came to Tech.

Andrew Spencer, a freshman physics major, said his brother participated in the tournament when he was at Tech.

“I have an older brother who has done it before and he said it was a fun thing to do before the end of the year,” Spencer said.  “I got a schedule of the Union Board events and decided it would be something fun to do before finals start.”

Spencer also said he was in it for the cash and prizes.

“I could always use more money just like every other college student,” Spencer said.  “When I found out what the prizes were this year, I was hoping I would be the winner.”

After many students were put out of the tournament, the winner emerged victorious.

Ryan Landry, a freshman business finance major, said he was glad that he won another Union Board event.

“This is the second Union Board event I have won,” Landry said.  “I won a 50 inch TV at the bingo tournament and now winning the ‘Beats’ by Dre is mind-blowing to me.”

Landry also said he participates in Union Board events because he hopes to one day be a part of their organization.

“I like Union Board a lot and I want to be involved in Union Board eventually,” Landry said.  “I have a good number of friends in Union Board who have been encouraging me to sign up so I think it will be a good decision.”

Landry said the events Union Board puts on are good ways to get to meet new people and win “cool stuff” while doing it.

“They put on fun events that everyone can attend,” Landry said.  “I think that’s what makes Union Board fun and the Rock Paper Scissors Tournament was no different.”

Email comments to dge...@latech.edu.

CODY SEXTON
Staff Reporter

As the academic year comes to a close, many students look forward to a summer break.

While those students plan vacations, others will sign up for classes to further their education during the summer.

For those who wish to continue education in the summer, there are alternatives to staying in Ruston.

Louisiana Tech-Barksdale is an opportunity for students who live in northwest Louisiana who wish to go home but still take classes.

Monte Parker, director of the Barksdale Program, said Louisiana Tech-Barksdale is a great way for students to go home but continue their education without having to stay in Ruston close to campus.

“The Barksdale Program is an extension of Tech, and the credits count like they would during other quarters on campus,” Parker said.

He said one of the perks of taking classes at Barksdale is it is convenient for the students who have jobs during the summer.

“Students will find the program is personalized to fit their schedules,” he said. “Classes at Louisiana Tech-Barksdale take place in the evening no earlier than 4 p.m.”

To gain access to the base for classes, students will have to get a pass at the VFW Post located near the Barksdale’s north gate.

Katelin Breaux, a junior agriculture education major, said she plans to take summer classes at Barksdale because of the convenience and to be closer to her boyfriend, who is stationed at Barksdale.

“Classes are smaller and there’s more one-on-one time with teachers,” she said. “I’ll also get to see my boyfriend.”

Parker said the Barksdale Program has helped many military members earn their degrees.

Stephanie Woodard, a former active duty member of the Air Force, said she obtained her degree in transportation management while stationed at Barksdale through the program.

“The Louisiana Tech program provided good resources to properly plan and ultimately obtain a degree,” Woodard said.

She said the key to handling her work and school was her organizing and prioritizing her work.

“It is possible to juggle both a full-time job and school, you just have to find ways to organize and properly manage your time wisely,” she said.

While Louisiana Tech-Barksdale may be a great opportunity for students in the Shreveport-Bossier area, there are alternatives to coming to campus for those who stay in Ruston over the summer.

Christine Strebeck, coordinator of general studies at Tech, said online courses are also a convenient way for students to get college credits.

“Convenience is the best thing about taking online courses,” Strebeck said. “Students can go to school and work, or if a student has kids, they don’t always have to leave them with a babysitter.”

However, Strebeck said one of the misconceptions of online courses is they are easier, and that is not the case.

“They are actually sometimes harder because you aren’t in a classroom with other students you can ask for help,” she said. “It does take discipline.”

Strebeck said this should not discourage students from taking online courses.

“There are many who have gotten degrees online,” she said. “We want students to know that the option is out there.”

Email comments to cls...@latech.edu

DANIEL GETSINGER
Staff Reporter

Every summer Tech offers classes, but do students really know how helpful these classes can actually be for graduating?

Dr. Les Guice, vice president of research and development and president slect, said students should be informed on what taking summer classes can do for getting closer to graduation and also how it can influence going into future quarters at Tech.

Carlton Holland, a graduate accounting major, said he feels summer classes offer more hours at a more convenient pace.

“Summer school helps you roll through college faster,” Holland said.  “It is also easy to focus on the task at hand when classes are held so frequently.”

Holland also said that his experience at Tech was hastened by taking summer classes.

“I graduated early and am now on my way to getting my master’s at the end of the spring quarter,” Holland said. “This was made possible because I took summer school, and I encourage other students to make their college career a little simpler by giving it a shot.”

Some students believe that the size of the classes is why summer school is such a good option.

Dan Mabry, a sophomore marketing major, said he likes that the classes are smaller and allow for more of a one-on-one with the teacher.

“Summer classes seem to be easier because you go to class every day instead of every other day,” Mabry said.  “This helps for getting in a daily routine and not forgetting information as easily.”

Mabry said he believes this is a way to better your GPA as well.

“Taking summer classes helps to get certain classes out of the way that would be more difficult during the regular school year,” Mabry said.  “I’ve learned that I make better grades during the summer because of the smaller class sizes and the fact that teachers seem to be more helpful to people who go out of their way to take classes when no one else wants to.”

Other students seem to like that more classes can be taken faster than normal.

Caroline Shaw, a senior elementary education major, said she believes summer school is a great way to finsih classes sonner than you normally would.

“I think summer classes are great because you get the chance to get classes out of the way in a shorter amount of time than you would during the school year,” Shaw said.  “I’ve also heard that teachers are more lenient during the summer sessions.”

Shaw also said it can be easier to get into the classes you want.

“I think it is easier to get into some of the classes because there aren’t as many people trying to fight for a seat,” Shaw said. “This cuts back on the stress of racing for a class that you need.”

Barbara Baldwin, a senior clinical kinesiology major, said she enjoys summer school because it helps to get more hours in a shorter time.

“Summer school is beneficial because it gives students an opportunity to catch up or get ahead,” Baldwin said.  “Most summer school requires you to attend classes daily, which is helpful because the material stays fresh on your mind.”

Baldwin also said she enjoys the swiftness of the quarter and the size of the classes.

“I think that every student should spend a summer in Ruston because there’s nothing quite like it,” Baldwin said.  “The small number of students in school gives you the opportunity to form new relationships with classmates and in turn helps to have a great summer.”

Email comments to dge...@latech.edu

MARTIN

ADDIE MARTIN
News Editor

“Addie,  that is not a very ladylike thing to do.” “Remember, always cross your legs.” “Look up when you walk.” “Outward appearance matters.” These are some of the statements my mom repeatedly said to help me grow into a young lady.

She had the perfect strategy to raising ladylike women — good morals and high standards.

As a child and even into my teen years, it was not hard to uphold high standards for myself because I was constantly reminded that high standards are the root of an attractive, classy woman.

However, those sophistication rules taught to us as young girls seem to be left at home when we come to college and the word “classy” loses all true meaning.

“Classy not trashy” is a quote commonly said by many in the college world, especially among girls.

According to definition.com, “classy” is defined as high class, rank or grade; stylish; admirably smart; elegant.

Though that is the real definition, our college definition of the classy lady is often defined as a sorority girl.

For some reason, Greeks are held to a higher standard than all of the other students when we are supposed to all be equal.

The Greek system is an association of campus organizations that includes fraternities and soroities as well as religious, innternational student and academic clubs.

As Tech students, we should automatically hold ourselves to higher standards than those who attend other universities to represent our institution well; this stands true of both moral and physical standards.

Classy is the goal in reach, but like the word “love,” “classy” has become misused in the 21st century.

Today, we use this word loosely when we commonly just call everyone classy.

This word, though, has strong meaning and much substance, so it should not be used lightly or in general statements.

Yes, people outside of the Greek system have standards for themselves just like, if not stricter, than the Greeks.

A classy lady can be the quiet nerdy girl in the front of your engineering class or the blonde boldly wearing her “letters.”

This is a woman who does not use slander but examines every word before it is spoken.

This is a woman who does not dress in minimum clothing but dresses modestly.

This is a woman who is not stuck up but carries her head high.

A woman who does not drink or smoke excessively, crosses her legs when wearing a dress and always washes her hair is a classy lady.

Although outward appearance does matter because that is the first thing judged on by others, it is not all about what is on the outside; the inside counts, too.

Ultimately, classiness depends on standards and how we value ourselves. It is not about the amount of makeup we wear or who made our purse; we have to feel confident and beautiful, work hard to succeed and love life as we live it to the fullest.

When lovely women have sent all morals out the window yet still describe themselves as classy walk across campus, it seems such a shame.

It demeans the word, stereotypes certain groups and, frankly, just lies to women.

So, ladies, let your words have meaning and live up to and beyond the standards your mothers set for you the day you were born.

Let’s just keep it classy, not trashy. Literally.

Addie Martin is a sophomore English and journalism double major from West Monroe who serves as news editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to alm...@latech.edu.

BOWMAN

MOLLY BOWMAN
Senior News Editor

He plays soccer and the piano, does gymnastics and sings in the choir. He likes to laugh and sing with his younger sister.

Tanishq Abraham, a native of Sacramento, seems like your typical young boy who likes Buzz Lightyear.

But something else sets him apart from thousands of other kids his age — he likes to talk about the fate of the universe.

At the age of 4, Abraham was accepted into Mensa. Mensa is a high-IQ honor society in which you have to score in the top two percent of the general population on a standardized intelligence test to receive admission.

He and his sister, Tiara, are the youngest siblings to have received the status of Mensa scholar.

By the age of 7, he had already published essays on astronomy to NASA’s Luna Science website and was attending college with people over twice his age.

Abraham said his favorite subjects to do is learn, and in his free time he likes to program things.

He enjoys researching things like anti-matter, particle physics and the Big Bang Theory, and, no, not watching the television show, actually learning about the expansion of the universe.

How many 8-year-old children do you know who enjoy doing this? I don’t even know anyone well over the age of 21 who enjoys researching this in their leisure.

This month, at the age of 9 years old, Abraham was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

He was the first one to be featured on YouTube’s “Prodigies,” which are mini narratives about the lives of young, talented prodigies who are breaking barriers.

Some of the other little prodigies in the YouTube series include Olympic fencers, poets, an 11-year-old minister and even a 6-year-old artist who has been compared with the likes of Matisse.

When I was 9, I got excited about getting a new pair of Nike socks and watching “The Amanda Show,” not about the physical particles of the universe, or anything remotely close to that.

The capabilities of these children are truly amazing, and the potential they have to expand on their skills is mind-boggling.

But it’s imaginative children like these who allow the world to develop in ways that wouldn’t be possible without them.

If I can’t contribute to the world with a fraction of the type of skills that these children possess, I can at least be their test subject!

Abraham mentioned in his interview that he would like to be a scientist or even the president one day. With the mindset and skills he possesses, he has the tools to accomplish anything he puts his efforts toward.

Abraham said he wanted to make the United States more healthy and efficient. His final thoughts in his interview perfectly sum up his boyish charm and the potential impact he can make in the future; “As Buzz Lightyear said, ‘To infinity and beyond.’ Let’s explore.”

Molly Bowman is a junior journalism major from Shreveport who serves as senior news editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to mmb...@latech.edu.

JOHNSON

RANEY JOHNSON
Multimedia Editor

It has been said many times that when a child is acting up all it needs is a good spanking, but is that true?

As a child, I am sure just as many others, I received spankings, even the stereotypical spankings at the Catholic school — not from nuns, however.

It was my vow at some point in elementary or middle school to never do the same thing. My kids or any kid would not receive corporal punishment from me.

But then my sister had my niece and for the first four years of her life, I to my delight had to watch and take care of her often when my sister was busy.

Now, my niece did a few things many would say warranted a tap on the hand or bottom, but initially I would never give in.

Eventually, however, I did give in and one day, I don’t remember the exact date, I gave my niece a spanking.

Every time after that day I would do the same until she listened.

On the inside, I remembered my promise never to do to a child what was done to me, but I just ignored it, as I do many childhood promises.

Eventually my sister told me not to spank my niece anymore and I generally complied, but I would still do it every now and then when I felt it was needed.

Then I went to Rancho Framasa, a Catholic youth camp in Indiana to work during the summer of 2012. My understanding of the treatment of kids would forever change.

This camp had a policy against punishing children in any form, physically or verbally.

At this camp I had all sorts of things I felt deserved to be punished happen to me. Kids spat in my mouth — I’m a germaphobe —, disregarded everything I said at times, fought in front of me and said a few inappropriate things. But I was never to punish them.

It may be a little confusing on how to get children to listen when they are doing wrong and not listening without a good spanking or yelling. This was very confusing for me.

But I remembered what this camp taught me: that children could be reached without punishment through redirection or kindness.

I learned multiple techniques on how to get children to listen in a positive manner for instance, redirection or by just being kind.

When I left the camp I made my promise again but I furthered it: I would never hit or yell at a child again.

I was eager to see if my change would last, and I can say for a whole year I’ve been spanking free.

My niece even threw a baseball at my back one day, and it hurt. But to my amazement the thought of tapping her hand or yelling at her did not even pop into my mind.

Since then, I’ve been a radical opponent of corporal punishment, and it made me cringe when I found out almost half of the states in the U.S. legally allow corporal punishment in public schools.

This is the reason I supported SpankOut day celebrated April 30 to raise awareness on ending corporal punishment of children.

There are many I have spoken to who don’t agree with me, and say my children will walk all over me. However, I firmly believe spanking and yelling at children only teaches them momentary discipline and to obey only when physical punishment comes.

But there are other ways to teach a child to behave that have  a lasting impact.

It can be confusing when a parent says do not hit or yell at others but does it to their child and gives the excuse “I brought you into the world,” — a very horrible cliché.

If only I could go back in time and stop myself from ever spanking my niece, but because I cannot, I apologize to her now. Sorry, buddy.

Maybe one day my niece will tell her cousin, my child, how I used to spank her when she was younger, but her cousin will say, “No way, my dad would never do that.”

And future son or daughter, I promise I never will.

Raney Johnson is a sophomore journalism major from Shreveport who serves as multimedia editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to rcj...@latech.edu.

PAUL HARRIS
Staff Reporter

The 9/11 monument on Tech’s campus seems to be hidden, just as the scars the terror attack left on the nation as a whole.

The Tech plaque reads, “In memory of the victims of the events of September 11, 2001. May we never forget. University Senate 2001-2002.” It is located between the bookstore and the library at the base of a tree on Tech’s campus.

Aaron Marcus, a sophomore accounting major, said he had direct ties to the terror attacks in 2001.

“My grandfather is a police officer in New York City, so that entire day I was concerned about him,” Marcus said. “There was an emotion of relief knowing that he was ok but there was also an emotion of honor knowing that my grandfather was present aiding so many people in such a monumental time in history.”

Timothy Green, a senior biology major and a member of the Air Force, said he did not know that the monument was on Tech’s campus.

“I’ve actually never seen or heard of it before,” Green said. “Is there any possible way it could be moved to a more prominent location?”

Green has vivid memories of exactly where he was during the 9/11 terror attacks, he said.

“I was in social studies in the sixth grade and my teacher had the news on the television,” Green said. “I remember asking my teacher if there was going to be a war resulting from the attacks and sure enough, shortly after, we went into Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Rawieh Telfah, a senior dual major in biology and French, said she was unaware of the monument as well.

“I wish I would have known about it because I’ve been here for four years and have yet to see it. It would have been nice to know,” Telfah, who is Muslim, said.

Telfah said regardless of one’s ethnicity or beliefs the attacks affected everyone in our nation.

“It was hard; it was hard on everyone,” Telfah said. “It was a terror attack.”

Telfah was ridiculed by a classmate about the attacks.

“I had a classmate mention to me that people of my religion performed the attacks,” Telfah said. “I replied that it impacted everyone and we would not consider the people that did that Muslim because our religion is about peace.”

Carlton Gray, a junior human resource management major and SGA senator, said there are ways to make the monument more noticeable at Tech.

“When I walk down the alumni walkway and see the president’s trees, the plaques at the base of those trees are very noticeable to me,” Gray said. “If we could somehow make the monument rise up out of the ground maybe people could notice it better.”

Will Dearmon, SGA president, said there are multiple ways the student body could approach changing the presentation of the monument.

“A student could go through SGA or Student Affairs and maybe get another student organization or service group that is concerned by the lack of attention the monument draws and go from there to make a change,” Dearmon said. “SGA can do pretty much anything, within scope, that the student body wants to see done.”

Dearmon said that students concerned could take the initiative in multiple ways to see a change done to the monument.

“Students could get public awareness on campus via surveys or polls asking students if they were aware of the monument and if they would like to see it resurfaced,” Dearmon said. “Based on the response, SGA could pick a path forward on how to use student money to improve it.”

It really comes down to what the students want to see done said Dearmon.

“If it’s important enough to the students they just have to take the appropriate steps to see a change made, and SGA will do our best to meet those needs,” Dearmon said.

Email comments to phh...@latech.edu

KAAMILYA SALAAM
Staff Reporter

As spring changes into summer and the school year comes to a close, it marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another for Bill Willoughby.

After 15 years at Tech and eight as the associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts he is leaving to take a position at his alma mater, Kent State University.

Willoughby said he is sad to be leaving Tech but excited to be starting a new journey.

“I am sad to be leaving, but I figured I have a good 20 years left to make a difference,” said Willoughby, a professor of architecture. “I could continue to make that difference here, but I think this is a great opportunity to give back to my alma mater.”

WILLOUGHBY

Willoughby will become associate dean for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Kent State.

He said the decision was a hard one, but considering the facts it was the best for him.

“It is a bittersweet decision that hinged a whole lot on the fact that my elderly parents will be only a little more than two hours away by car,” Willoughby said “Also my wife is originally from northeast Ohio.”

Willoughby said he will miss the good and dedicated people in Ruston and Louisiana Tech University.

“I have had a good time here, and I will miss my colleagues, the students and community,” he said. “I will still cheer along the future successes of the university even though I’m moving away.”

Like Willoughby, several of his colleagues said his departure is bittersweet.

School of Architecture Director Karl Puljak said Willoughby’s departure will be a big loss for the college.

“He has devoted a big part of his professional life here at Louisiana Tech,” Puljak said. “In addition to helping to lead the College of Liberal Arts, he was a very valuable faculty member in the School of Architecture.”

As an instructor before becoming the associate dean, Willoughby started the Community Design Activism Center within the School of Architecture 13 years ago.

The CDAC is a unit within the school where students use their time and talent to help people with architectural problems in the surrounding communities.

Puljak said he will miss Willoughby personally.

“He’s a very good friend of mine,” Puljak said. “I have known him since we were both undergraduate architecture students in a summer program in Boston.”

Like Puljak, Willoughby’s administrative coordinator Alisha Ashworth said she is she is sad to see Willoughby go also.

Although Ashworth has only been a part of Willoughby’s staff for eight months, she said he is a great boss that she will miss dearly.,

“He is a really good boss,” said Ashworth. “I don’t want to see him go, but I know he wouldn’t have made the choice if it wasn’t the best thing for him.”

Email comments to kms...@latech.edu.

REBECCA ALVAREZ
Associate Managing Editor

The fight to revitalize the quality of higher education in Louisiana seems to have picked up steam as legislation to increase tuition moves past the State House of Representatives.

Two bills recently presented to the House aim to exempt legislature approval of tuition increases and give complete control over tuition rates to higher education management boards.

House Bill 87 would strike the provision that requires two-thirds of the Legislature to approve a university’s tuition increase. The bill passed through the House without any opposition.

THOMAS

House Bill 194 would give higher education management boards the authority to raise tuition to meet the regional average. The bill would also allow 10 percent of the revenue from these increases to be used to help students with financial needs.

Joseph Thomas, vice president for finance and administration, said higher education in the state would benefit greatly from the legislation if it were to be put into effect.

“Tuition has become an integral part of the revenue in higher education,” he said. “That money would benefit class offerings, facility management and allow for a highly skilled faculty.”

If tuition is put in the hands of the management boards, the higher education systems in Louisiana would be able to meet the tuition average for the southern region, providing more funding for programs and facilities. Louisiana is currently one of three states where the legislature holds authority over tuition increases, and it is the only state that requires a two-thirds vote to do so.

“Putting management boards in charge of tuition makes more sense,” he said. “They are very much in tune with campuses and would always act in the best interests of the universities.”

JINDAL

Since Gov. Bobby Jindal was elected, 30 percent of the state funding for higher education has been cut from the state budget, resulting in a spike in tuition increases. According to an article in The Advocate, (Baton Rouge), in 2008, state dollars

made up 60 percent of funds for higher education. Five years later, the roles have switched with tuition making up 60 percent of funds for higher education.

Despite tuition increases, however, cuts that continue to be made in faculty and financial aid programs have proven such actions have hardly helped revenue for many universities.

Thomas said HB194 would help solve the issue of providing financial aid to those who need by reserving 10 percent of revenue for financial aid.

“The intent of the bill is to ensure students with the greatest need have additional support,” he said.

Though it seems the bills would benefit universities throughout the state, gaining public support will still be essential for them to be passed — which may be difficult given the combination of the terms of the legislation and the struggling economy — but many people, like Pheobe Thomas, a senior French and Spanish major, believe increasing tuition is inevitable and necessary.

Louisiana has the second-lowest tuition in the South, and while the news may sound good to students, the low cost raises many concerns for the quality of post-secondary education.

Most of the revenue from tuition increases made under the current conditions has been used to offset cuts in state support, leaving few funds to put toward the factors essential to advancing the quality of education.

“Everybody freaks out when they hear tuition is increasing, but everything gets more expensive,” Pheobe Thomas said. “If you want the best you have to pay to get it.”

Email comments to rha...@latech.edu.