I wrote an email to the advancement office. This is what it said:

 

Dear Advancement Office,

 

      I trust this email finds you well! I'm writing to share concerns about the ongoing promotion of Giving Day at SAU and to suggest a reconsideration of the current approach.

      The current promotion of Giving Day places significant pressure on students, particularly those facing financial challenges, and could potentially create a sense of elitism within our student community. SAU, much like other institutions, already has ample resources and funding. Relying on student donations for department operations and projects is an unnecessary burden on our students.

      I propose we explore alternative funding methods that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that financial contributions do not determine an individual's importance within the university community. Permanently stopping Giving Day advertisements to students would greatly benefit this cause. Given the substantial tuition at SAU, the encouragement of student donations raises questions about the financial burden placed on our students, impacting their overall experience.

      It's important to note that our students already contribute significantly to the community through volunteering, investing time in life groups, participating in praise teams, engaging in campus clubs, and more. While the intention of Giving Day is to make students feel like they are giving back, these existing contributions should continue to be acknowledged and celebrated. Giving Day is not a necessary or efficient means of creating community on our campus.

      For example, while I acknowledge the potential benefits of Giving Day for the "Feed My Sheep" food pantry, I suggest we collaborate to find alternative funding approaches that do not solely rely on students' financial contributions. The existence of this pantry sheds light on a need on our campus, Southern prioritizing this need by creating a specific fund for this would aid our student body immensely. 

      I understand the challenges SAU faces in securing funding, and I am enthusiastic about collaborating to explore alternative solutions that better serve our student community. Giving Day is a beautiful tradition, but it is time that we give it a face-lift.

 

      Thank you for considering these concerns. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further.

 

 

Sincerely, 

Angelina Jones

 

 

I am happy to say that agreed to meet with me after Thanksgiving break (: