Not too long after USC announced its enterprise to build a new University Village in the image of the Grove in Beverly Hills, rumor spread that they want to buy the coliseum for 50 million dollars.
I understand that USC’s number one fall back is its location, but why are we aiming for perfection? If building this new shopping mall as well as gaining ownership of the stadium is in pursuit of creating a better area and attracting brighter students, it’s sending the opposite message.
If USC wants to attract students of Ivy-league caliber, they have to do things of Ivy-league status. Constructing a high-end shopping center and luxury apartments isn’t going to attract the next generation of Ivy-league intellect, but those craving the status that accompanies such prestige. If we want to attract the minds of the future, then we shouldn’t resort to methods of the past by further commercializing an area that would benefit much more from a grassroots campaign.
If USC really wants to improve the area and attract the brightest applicants, why not use that money to improve the state of education in the surrounding area? The magnet schools around campus provide a great opportunity for the inner city Los Angeles Students that attend. But the influence of USC quickly dissipates the further you get from campus, even if we’re talking 1 or 2 miles. There are many students receiving a very sub-par education in zip codes reachable by foot, so why not use that money to benefit them? Institute community programs to replace the arts and music classes that have been lost due to budget cuts. Offer free college-prep courses to high school students in the area. Provide them with scholarships not only to USC, but any accredited institution. If USC has the power to take ownership of the acres of land the UV sits on and the coliseum, I’m sure they could finagle their way into the Los Angeles Unified School District and supplement the low budgets of nearby public schools as well.
Investing in education is the big picture solution. By improving the foundation on which the future sits, the students in the area will have more opportunities and inherently more success. They will include their families in their newfound glory, advancing their socioeconomic position, and improving the area around USC naturally.
It will be a slow process, but one that benefits both the university and the area in the long run. Creating a megaplex shopping center will only validate our reputation as the “University of Spoiled Children.” If we want to attract students that will one day change the world, we have to change the world now.
I completely agree. I think we have tried for a long time get past the whole "University of Spoiled Children" name and have been pretty successful in it. Tearing down a shopping area in which the local community shops in and replacing it with a 90210 style mall is just ridiculous. USC should focus on helping the local community not tearing it down. Where are these people supposed to go? Plus, we already have Fresh and Easy, I'm basically satisfied. Also, if this new Village happens I'm 99.9% that students who currently attend USC but soley through the help of financial aid will not be able to attend because the new amazing facilities will be super expensive and then it really will be the Univ. of Spoiled Children....
ReplyDeleteI'm not too opposed to the idea of USC expanding its "empire" to encompass more of south central LA. Gentrification is a natural (but often unfortunate) result of mixed communities and I honestly think USC might be doing a good thing by upgrading the area. It seems like they're enacting a project of changing the community inside-out, by directly taking over the property and turning it out. It is a good or moral thing that this is happening? Who's to say? I guess we'll find out the answer to that in several years.
ReplyDeleteI am too am not opposed to the "USC Empire" idea, now this is in hindsight but since the tragedy that happened around the University Park area, I believe that it is time that the University hasten there efforts to expand even more and faster. It is time that the university and the alumni gave there helping hand in making this area a better place for all. Now you argue that it is wrong that the university is evicting members of the community that have lived here for decades. But I surmise is this, why not make this an opportunity instead of an atrocity, what I would tell to the local residents is this: why not rent your homes to college students and have them pay high rates for rent and in return have a steady income from your property. Is that not a good idea, as most of the children at the "University of Spoiled Children" have wealthy parents that are willing to shell out that kind of money for there children anyways why not take advantage of that I say. And if it means moving people away from the area to create a safe university neighborhood by all means I am for and am willing to help make transition go faster.
ReplyDeleteI'm torn here, and I think I need a little more evidence and information to back things up. While I agree that money should be going into improving the local standard of education and living, as well as the education of the students here, better programs and such, and far less into realestate development and construction, I also doubt it's as evil as you say. I live just off campus and I know several of the local families, they all support USC and what it does for the local community with an almost fanatical fervor. If the "USC Empire" were actually evicting local families for their construction interests I don't think they'd have quite so much local support.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna have to agree with Bowler Boy here. I haven't met a single person in the area (except the drunk guy who sleeps near cardinal gardens) who has anything bad to say about USC. I'm sure there are some sort of detrimental effects in the takeover of the surrounding area, but I don't see them.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the new UV probably isn't the best investment in terms of education, but I don't really think kids coming out of high school are super worried about going somewhere where they can expand their mind to its fullest potential. I think they want to go somewhere they can see themselves enjoying their time and getting a good education at the same time. The new UV will probably make USC seem less ghetto and more welcoming. I'm an example of one of these kids. I was accepted to a couple ivy league schools, but I ended up coming to USC because when I visited I saw Wahoo's Fish Tacos instead of a cafeteria and a frat/sorority row that glistened with empty beer cans and tanning hotties. Well, also because USC is much closer to home, but mainly those fish tacos. The point is that USC doesn't quite have the same reputation as Harvard so the kids destined to go to Harvard will probably still go to Harvard whether or not we put that money into improving the surrounding area or improving our academic programs.
I don't know which direction I would go, since I know that the surrounding areas do need a change. If USC wants to be upon the IVY league status, they would have to also in a way try to attempt a safe surrounding environment. By implementing something of that nature within the Los Angeles area, USC will be helping build the reputation for LA. However, I also think that they can help improve the schools and communities around it. But nonetheless I think today's generation is driven by what is surrounding areas of schools and how safe it will be to reside in that area. Therefore, I have a 2 way approach to what is being said, in either case USC is still attempting to do something for the city to help improve the status of this enormous city.
ReplyDeleteUSC should absolutely be expanding. A stagnant university is a failing one, and USC needs to continue to grow to make itself more appealing nationwide. Some people might not like it, but USC can do a lot more with the land they take than the people who have it now.
ReplyDeleteI am also a fan of the USC Empire idea. Look when it comes down to it we are a private school and there is no question that we are aiming for Ivy status. The money that has been donated to the school is intended for improving campus education and facilities NOT to go towards improving the lower education around the area. Improved facilities and safety in the neighborhood is a must at this point and unfortunately that means expansion into the community. I hate to seem ignorant of the local population but USC is doing what they can to relocate people and provide employment opportunities whenever possible. The community around us supports USC for the most part. I say continue the expansion and make USC a comfortable, constructive place for USC students in the future.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I like your idea of working more with the local schools, I tend to disagree with your post. One of the main reasons that they're redoing the UV, like you said, is to make us more competitive with the Ivy League schools. However, it's not that we're trying to compete with them over students, we're trying to compete with them over professors. When professors are deciding where they want to teach, one of the main things they consider is the local lifestyle. As it stands, there aren't many places close to campus where professors can go to have a nice meal or to buy a new dress shirt. While I certainly don't like to perpetuate the "University of Spoiled Children" moniker, I don't think that it was the neighborhood that was creating that perception. While I'm not exactly "rich" or "spoiled," there are many times where I would like to go look for clothes on the weekend without having to travel all the way to The Grove.
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