The Nicholls spring student elections are set for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The elections are being conducted online via the Nicholls Web site www.nicholls.edu, ensuring that all students eligible to vote, get the chance to cast their ballot. The election will determine officers for student government and student programming as well as Mr. and Ms. Nicholls for the upcoming school year. Also on the ballot is the student self-assessed spirit fee referendum.

If the referendum receives approval of the student body, it will add $5 to the self-assessed fees of all students carrying seven or more hours. The revenue generated will be distributed to spirit groups including the cheerleading squad, the Pride of NSU Marching Band, the Sixth Man Basketball Band, the Colonelette dance team and the color guard.

If this fee is passed, the Nicholls spirit groups said they will use the money to attend more away games and help support the Colonel athletic program.

This is a good and noble goal, and it would help improve the image of Nicholls in the eyes of other universities. Some students say that an extra $5 a semester is minor compared to the potential benefits of seeing the University capitalize from added team spirit.

There is a definite value attached to showing more Colonel pride to the outside world, but those against the fee think that as student-run organizations, the spirit groups should conduct their own fundraising.

Where does one draw the line? If school spirit were a part of the University’s marketing and development programs, these young, energetic students could be funded directly through self-assessed fees.

The support provided by spirit groups at games and school functions would be more like jobs – honing team-building skills and creative exercises into the daily curriculum of some of this area’s future business leaders.

But if these groups are truly just over-zealous students showing their love for their University without the school’s discipline or structure, then why should the student body be taxed for their funding?

Across the campus different opinions have been voiced over this issue. Whatever the decision, students need to do their democratic duty and make their voice heard by voting in next week’s election.

With the election lasting for three days, everyone has an opportunity to vote no matter how hectic his or her schedule.

The election has been advertised through e-mail and flyers were posted around campus, therefore no one can say that they were not informed.

Now it is up to the student body. Remember, if you do not vote, then you have no right to complain about the outcome.

Former Rep. Walter H. Judd, R-Minnesota said, “People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote – a very different thing.