Bribery boosts attendance at campus events

You'd rather sleep in the car at lunchtime, than attend a guest lecturer's talk on poverty in third world countries or listen to the jazz trio on the plaza. Spending a few hours on the weekend doing community service is out of the question because the hangover doesn't go away until noon.

Missing out on the cultural events and involvement in the community does not make a complete student. Surely someone told you that all work and no play makes
Jack and Jill dull people.

A complete education includes more than classes, tests, work and sleep and William Woods University in St. Louis, Mo. has decided to  do something about the lack of student involvement.

They have instituted a program that bribes students to become well-rounded adults who can go out into the corporate world and hold a conversation about more than the job and what's wrong with the boss.

Under the university's plan to involve students in extracurricular activities, a student will pledge to participate in a predetermined number of activities during the school year in return for a $5,000 cut in their tuition.

Using bait to get students to take advantage of symphonies, art clubs and community involvement is based on the premise that once students attend the events they will continue to participate, benefiting themselves and the students who work to enhance the culture of campus life.

A great deal of work goes into student theater productions, dance reviews, art exhibits and sports events, noon-time concerts and lectures, but attendance is low, and that is sad.

The objective of bribing students is to encourage them to take advantage of the wonderfully diverse activities offered on campus and in the nearby communities.

Our campus lacks a feeling of community, that spirit of togetherness that makes good things get better. We lack that sense of belonging. We need incentives that will unify the Cal State Long Beach community

Tuition reductions may not be the way to bribe students here at The Beach, but how about extra credit or a point system? Free tickets? Spend alternating class periods performing community service?

Life is too short to pass up opportunities to enjoy it. Find the time to let yourself grow.