The Red and Black

Issue date: 10/29/08 Section: Opinions

Don't lose hope

If the University continues increasing fees, will HOPE still cover all tuition?

Some University students complained Tuesday about minimal charges left on their student accounts. After the HOPE Scholarship was applied with increased student fees, $2 remained.

The charge reminds us that HOPE's funds are limited and could be insufficient later as the University adjusts to the suffering economy.

The administration plans to raise tuition to combat debt, but that doesn't mean HOPE will match it penny for penny. The University increasing fees may create a snowball effect, which is concerning for future University students if HOPE doesn't cover them.

While we hate to commend the state of Florida for anything, its scholarship program avoids the all-or-nothing eligibility of HOPE. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program awards tuition money based on a gradual grading scale, awarding the most to the highest grade-earners. A sliding scale would encourage academic improvement as well as cost-effectiveness.

So far in the 2008-2009 school year, 156,461 students in Georgia benefitted from HOPE Scholarship. It is crucial in recruiting students at poorly funded public high schools, and we hope - no pun intended - it continues to fully cover hard-working, deserving students' fees.


- Jennifer Paxton for the editorial board

Orange and blue?Orange and blue?

As Fall Break approaches, we'd like to point out just a few of the Gators' flaws

It's that time of year again - Fall Break. That, of course, means two things: no class Thursday or Friday AND the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail party.

OK, we don't technically have Thursday off, but we bet this campus will be dead. And fine, the administration doesn't want us calling it that "cocktail party" name anymore, but who cares? Rather than debate the merits and shortcomings of our own school, we turn our attention to the University of Florida instead.

Dear University of Florida,

We begin by posing a question: why put your school in a peninsula state but nowhere near water? What's the point without the beach? Beats us, and probably beats you too.

While we're on your school location: way to have a cool city name. Why didn't you change it to something that isn't in every other state? Athens used to be called Cedar Shoals, but then we changed it because it sounds cooler.

OK, so maybe those things can't be changed right now - but here's a couple that can.

Orange and blue should never be put together. What are you thinking? You mix Tennessee orange with Kentucky blue and end up with something that looks like a Halloween costume. Foul.

Finally, we'd like to point out the Facebook effort "Jort-Out Georgia." People think that by looking like white trash, they'll perform better on the field. Trust us, not even kryptonite can stop Knowshon Moreno.

No matter how the game turns out Saturday, just remember you'll still be driving home in your ugly colors and half-pants to your poorly-named land-locked city.

Love,

The Red & Black editorial board.


- Colin Dunlop for the editorial board

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