The average college student had a few choices for things to do on Nov. 5. You could have gone to the College Center Grand Opening and listened to a band, played poker, and watched an $8,000 light show; or you could have watched “V for Vendetta” and poured back a few brewskis. Unfortunately, here at Mesa, the majority chose the later.

Mesa State has gone to great lengths to offer students the best kinds of events. The administration has set time and money aside for these types of events but they are rarely attended.

It’s disappointing for all involved to plan these events that so few students seem to want to participate in the campus sponsored activities. It’s sadder still that all students are paying for these activities through student fees, yet so few show up.

Every resident who has lived on campus has paid a $20 activity fee each semester. This money is used by resident assistants to plan fun events for the people living on their floors. So often, hours are spent planning programs that only nine people will ever attend.

Why is it that students would rather drink with their friends or do nothing at all, than go to a college sponsored concert or event?

Part of the blame lies with the school and the people planning these events. First of all, some events are really poorly advertised. Many students heard about the expensive light show by word of mouth the day of the event. Perhaps organizations should find a better system to promote events for students.

Also, there is little to no research done to see what it is that students really want brought to campus. When was the last time the Programming Activities Council sent surveys out to the student body asking them what they’d like to see here? When was the last time that the student body was given a chance to state their feelings about the Grand Opening of the building they paid for? It’s not just the administration or PAC’s problem; it’s everyone’s. Students have not had the opportunity to voice what programs, events or bands they want brought to campus.

Even if they were given the opportunity to speak and recommend things, would they? The second part of this problem lies with students themselves. A growing trend has shown that students are becoming, on average, more and more apathetic. Meaning they don’t care about these events. Instead of going to a party the school has paid for, they’d rather do their own thing; whether that be working, drinking or hanging out in their rooms reading.

It’s disappointing to see student fees going to pay for light shows, or concerts, or charity events that so few students attend. The system has a flaw. Now something has to change.