*The views expressed in this articles are the writer’s own and not indicative of the views of Her Campus or Her Campus at VCU*
With the release of recent financial expenditures made by Virginia Commonwealth University, many VCU students have complained, expressing their discontent with the school’s allocation of funding. There are many things (what many would argue, necessities) that VCU could focus on that would ultimately improve the lives of both the students and the university’s reputation as a whole.
1. Bathroom refurbishment
Although the restrooms in many of the newer buildings, like the James Branch Cabell Library, are updated, facilities in older buildings like Temple and Harris Hall date their respective buildings quite a bit. They are tucked away and thus, sometimes hard to find, which is not convenient when you are trying to take care of things in between classes.
2. Better dining facilities
The addition of Freshii, a healthy food option serving quinoa bowls and the like, in the University Student Commons was met with high praise. As such, VCU should take the initiative and update both the food quality and the structure of other eateries, namely Shafer Court Dining Center, which often presents predictable and flavorless options. (Side note: someone recently found a feather still attached to their chicken wing in the dining center’s to-go restaurant, so perhaps better attention by the company providing the food should also be included in the funding).
3. New library chairs
VCU’s recent refurbishment of the James Branch Cabell Library is stunning. It boasts tables and chairs compatible with USB chargers and outlets, a shiny new Starbucks and even a giant television screen plastered on the outside. It’s no doubt that the update was pricy, however, there are many old, torn and broken chairs that still remain in Cabell that are in desperate need of replacement. The price of new furniture pales in comparison to all of the new technology and comfort.
4. Funding for the arts school
While VCU boasts their title as number one public fine arts program in the United States, many art students are required to spend their own money on materials for their projects in addition to the tuition they already pay to the school. More funding to the programs, therefore, would ensure that students who typically cannot afford to purchase their own materials have the means to do so, thus promoting a higher work ethic and overall better quality of work.