I am writing to clarify some of the issues addressed in the editorial, "Don't add the pool to student fees."

To begin with, the statement "(the) wellness center wouldn't even be in the first phase" is incorrect. From the beginning, Bismarck State College's discussions with the Park District have married its vision of an aquatic center with our vision of a wellness/fitness center. As a result, there is a 15,000-square foot fitness area in the center's design. The only contemplated phase two is the addition of a gymnasium.

Secondly, students pay fees for wellness/fitness centers. At NDSU they pay $160 per year; at UND, $194.50 per year. At $60 per semester, having unlimited access to the BSC Community Aquatic and Wellness Center is a deal. And, that figure is only being discussed; no final decision has been made.

What is innovative in the current plan is the partnering that will give the students a center that the college didn't have to fund. Had we waited five-ten years, which is our best estimate, to build a wellness center, it would not have had two pools. And it would have been a lot more expensive to build and operate.

Third, the process is transparent. I have met with the faculty and staff senates, and the students' board of governors twice. BOG President Toby Lund has held open forums with students. And, BOG is now surveying students. Before we go forward, we will have a clear understanding of what the students think about this project.

All of the feedback I've encountered to this concept has been positive. Any concerns students have raised about scheduling and student employment opportunities will be addressed in the Joint Powers Agreement.

Since becoming president of BSC, everyone has told me about a desire to take the college to its next higher level. We're building a new residence hall; we're planning for more on-campus students; we have nationally recognized programs that will be housed in the new National Energy Center of Excellence; and we're involved with planning processes that will map the future of this great college. For recruiting students and for student activities while they attend BSC, an aquatic and wellness center just makes sense. From my interaction with students, employees, and community members, I know that they agree.

Finally, we are all concerned about the cost of education. But that's a much larger problem than one fee. On the federal level, the recent increase in Pell Grants will help. At the state level, we need to reduce the share of the cost of education shouldered by students. That's where we really need to exert our energies.

(Skogen is the president of BSC. - Editor)