Yo John Sexton, SLOW DOWN!

Before I delve into this blog post, let it be known that I am proud to go to New York University. I couldn't imagine how different my life would be had I chose to gone to some state school in Bumblefuck, USA. I feel like I've matured as a person through one and a half years more than I would have at four years at said state school, and I have absolutely no regrets in choosing to attend NYU.


Now, with that being said, last year the President of NYU, John Sexton, unveiled his plan entitled NYU2031, which outlines the University's expansion plan by the year 2031 (The 200th anniversary of the school). The plan calls for a 40% expansion of its New York City Campus. The plan calls for adding 6 million square feet of space, at a projected cost of about $1,000 a square foot, to NYU’s existing 15 million. The projects are aimed at accommodating a growing student body and competing for money and prestige with other universities. They will require approvals from city agencies and have already met with a skeptical response from some neighbors and preservationists. This expansion includes the desire to have an overbearing presence in Greenwich Village, and essentially encapsulating the southern part of Manhattan into NYU's "campus." Sexton is even calling for NYU to own properties on Governors Island (which personally I think is absurd). 


Now usually, I wouldn't mind this need for more space. Hell, I imagine it would only boost y pride for such a great school. That was going through my mind until I received an email the other week informing me that tuition is being increased for the 2011-12 school year by 3.8%, which is an increase of about $1,500 for the year. Let it be noted that NYU, according to Campus Grotto, has the 42nd highest tuition in the United States. Factor in housing and other expenses, and NYU is one of the most expensive universities in the country. My tuition is being increased to accommodate Sexton's view for making New York City into New York University City. The school is investing in creating a new campus in Shanghai in the meantime as well. 

In additon, the school is quickly making enemies with a lot of residents in the Village. "The university has taken over more and more of the neighborhood. It feels less and less like a neighborhood and more like a company town or an extension of the NYU campus," said preservationist Andrew Berman. "Such an overwhelming presence of one institution in one historically diverse and small-scale neighborhood would irreparably damage its character and quality of life," said Greenwich Village resident Peter Lieberman.


So I ask you, Dr. Sexton, ease up on the gas. Everyone knows NYU is the shit. We have a list of successful alum that gives all the Ivy's competition. And when it comes to the entertiners out of NYU, those same schools can't even compete. Washington Square Park is already surrounded by all NYU-owned properties. Purple flags flood the streets from 14th street down to Bleeker. please do me and my impending college loans a favor. There's really no need to raise the tuition.


EDIT: Check out a conversation about the expansion on NPR here.