Arts Pass provides valuable perks to CMU students
Student government announced via survey that it would review possible expansions to the student Arts Pass program. The program currently gives students free access to museums and galleries in Pittsburgh, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Mattress Factory. The program is being reviewed to see if free access to additional locations can be included. Extending the program may take a great effort, and student government should be commended for its initiative.
It’s not uncommon to hear students complain that Pittsburgh doesn’t have the appeal of a larger city. “There’s nothing to do” is a popular sentiment, especially among underclassmen. However, the Arts Pass program is a gateway for Carnegie Mellon students to discover all that Pittsburgh has to offer. It entices students to leave the comforts of campus and explore the museums and galleries in the region.
The program is vital to ensure that students have a realistic impression of a city that is their home for at least four years. Additionally, the program allows students to become aware of the region and develop a set of diverse interests through hands-on learning experiences. Increasing student accessibility to Pittsburgh’s various attractions is a noble pursuit toward giving students a great college experience.
Any expansion of the program, however, must be done responsibly. Access to additional locations may increase the fee associated with the program — a possibility that all parties should be wary of as discussions of the program move forward.
The Arts Pass program is a valuable perk that Carnegie Mellon students have, and efforts to expand it are welcome. Ensuring the satisfaction and well-being of students during their time on campus is one of the responsibilities of the student government, even if that satisfaction comes from attractions off campus. Evaluating and expanding the Arts Pass program effectively should help make Carnegie Mellon, and Pittsburgh as a whole, a better place for students to live and learn.