Hosting the presidential debate in October is costing DU (with some assistance from the community and DU alums) upwards of $1.5 million. As excited as everyone is to have so many important political figures on campus, I can’t see the value in spending that much money for just one event. Oct. 3 will come and go in the blink of an eye.
The debate is going to be the event of a lifetime for those lucky enough to attend it, and certainly a very fun and informative day for everyone else, but I can think of many more sustainable ways to spend $1.5 million.
Think of the science supplies it could buy, scholarships it could give and buildings it could cover with copper. And all for what? So that glimpses of DU’s campus will be shown on TV and only about 2 percent of our students will be lucky enough to win a golden ticket to attend the event?
To put this kind of money in perspective, $1.5 million is enough to fund 32 full ride scholarships. That’s 32 qualified students whose lives would be changed by being financially able to attend DU. The current financial aid system is great, but it’s no secret many students turn down their acceptance because it just costs too much money.
The administration claims the debate is helping DU students become more connected with the outside world, and learn about the election process. This is absolutely true, and all of the election-related passport events being held around campus are great ways to get students interested in today’s big issues.
In addition, the debate will bring publicity to DU from all around the world, possibly even helping to bring in a bigger and more diverse applicant pool for next year. This would be great for DU students, but still slightly intangible. How can we prove most DU students’ education would be better overall as a result of the debate?
Debatefest, which is probably one of the best parts about the debate for students who aren’t able to attend the event itself, could as easily happen on other campus around the country.
Who says the debate actually has to be held on your campus for you to throw a party and screen it for everyone to watch?
Most students will probably learn a thing or two from the few passport events they go to, have a good time not going to class and attending Debatefest on the third and then post on Facebook about how cool it was the president was at DU and that will be that.
It’s clear the money spent on the debate has been a good investment, but has it been the best one? The same amount of money could have been allocated differently to get better results.
How can we compare a typical student’s debate experience to brand new science equipment or a full-ride education for 32 students?
The debate will probably help DU’s publicity by getting its name known, which could even help increase its ranking. But all of that is just in the books. DU has to think about its current students, and what is best for them right now.
