One month ago, my painting professor walked into class with a cardboard box covered in dust.

The box, passed from professor to professor to professor, contained supplies used to demonstrate how to build your own canvas. He produced a can of glue that expired when I was still using Elmer’s to make macaroni art for my mom.

I had to laugh.

The Wichita State University School of Art and Design has proposed an increase in student fees. As an art student, I would be paying seven times as much in fees per class than I am now. But I am happy to do it.

I want to get the most out of my time in classes. I want to be able to graduate knowing I had the best teachers, the most dynamic art education and the most up-to-date technology to ensure my future success. Unfortunately, the art facilities are lacking.

The laptops I have available to me in class run old, out of date Adobe software. Only three out of the four computer mice work. Two of the mice have cords so short, they cannot reach the right side of the laptop. I have to use my non-dominant left hand or awkwardly reach across the keyboard.

There is a shortage of seating in the buildings. I have to fight to get a stool to sit on in my classes.  I have heard jokes that Henrion Hall is the chair graveyard — unwanted and neglected chairs just appear. None of the chairs in the building actually match and half are broken.

I am already paying large sums of money for my education — I do not mind paying more to ensure I get the most out of it. I want up-to-date technology. I want a print lab. I want water fountains that actually work. I want to be able to use supplies that aren’t old enough to legally drink alcohol.

I hope the student fees increase does go through. I know the changes won’t happen immediately, but I want to know the program has a chance to improve before I graduate.