The Government of the Student Body Senate passed a bill Wednesday intending to approve the Cyclone Cinema.

There are two major arguments in terms of the positive and negative aspects of the project.

First, the theater is projected to run at a loss. Costs to renovate the theater are about $200,000, and yearly deficit, is about $60,000 for each year following the first. These deficits are drastic, especially considering the current state of the economy and the budget problems the university is facing. However, the acquisition of the theater is not tied to the current university budget. Student fees will not be raised to pay for the renovation.

Compared to the overall use of student fee money every year, the projected $60,000 is rather minimal. Student organizations receive more than $1 million per year in student fees. These organizations range from larger organizations such as Veishea to the smaller niche groups like the Aeronautical Society. The Cyclone Cinema will be funded in the exact way that these organizations are funded, through the regular allocations process.

Should the theater not be as successful as hoped, there is a cap to how much can be requested during this allocation process. As a student fee payer, your money is distributed to these organizations so that your experience here at Iowa State will be as enjoyable and memorable as possible. By opening the Cyclone Cinema as a student-run theater, the hope would be that your experience would be enhanced to its fullest potential.

The major argument in favor of opening a student theater, is the same that can be made for any student organization. The Cyclone Cinema would provide great activity for students, four nights per week throughout the academic year. Opportunities on campus for consistent activities throughout the week are few and far between, but available nonetheless. A student-run theater has the opportunity not only to provide students inexpensive movie-going experiences, but also to provide that opportunity for years and years to come.

Looking at the economic projections for the theater, it is easy to see why this could be considered a “failed business.” However, this is hardly the case. The goal of the Cyclone Cinema is not to make money. The primary goal of the theater is simply to provide students with an inexpensive, alternative activity during a time of the week in an area of town where this is not readily available. Yes, student fee money will be used to keep the theater running should attendance not reach the break even point but, our university is run in the same manner. Without government funding — in the theater’s case, GSB, and in the university’s case, the Iowa government — these opportunities would not be available to us. Just like the theater, the goal of the university is not to make a profit. Now, should students find that the theater is not enjoyable, then yes, the Cyclone Cinema can be considered a “failed business.” But until then, we will just have to deal with the fact that the theater is simply a work in progress.

Within the next week, the GSB task force will send a survey to all students in the hope that they express their opinions and take the time to help their GSB senators with this important issue. I implore you to be heard.

Whatever your reservations, please keep in mind that the Cyclone Cinema is an idea to improve student experience here at Iowa State, just like the recreation services, Veishea, and every club and organization on campus.

Brian Ryherd is a senior in psychology.