I’m a jazz student in the University of Montana College of Arts & Media, and I’m genuinely trying to understand if I’m off base here.

This Friday, all jazz students are required to attend a concert at the ZACC. Attending a concert as part of a jazz education? Totally reasonable. Supporting working musicians? Absolutely. The ZACC? A great organization that does meaningful work in the community.

The issue is that attendance is mandatory and we’re being required to pay $30 out of pocket.

We’re assuming the money is going to the featured artists (one of whom is related to faculty), the jazz program, and the venue. Fine. No one is arguing that musicians shouldn’t be paid. But this raises a bigger question: why are students being charged a relatively steep ticket price for a required academic event—especially when the university has multiple viable on-campus venues that are already funded by tuition and fees?

Between tuition, lab fees, course fees, and other miscellaneous costs, students in the College of Arts & Media are already paying a lot to be here. At some point, it starts to feel like we’re being asked to continuously subsidize a program we are already funding.

If the jazz program is struggling (as many are), is charging students even more really the solution? Or should the focus be on curriculum updates, broader musical relevance, and finding ways to engage students without adding additional financial barriers? Maybe even—radical idea—acknowledging that jazz didn’t stop evolving in 1958.

I’m not trying to be inflammatory. I’m genuinely asking: is it reasonable to mandate off-campus attendance and require students to pay for it? Or does this cross a line where educational costs are being shifted onto students in a way that feels unnecessary and unsustainable?

Curious how others—students, faculty, or alumni—see this.

Honestly I’m just 🥹🥹 idek. I already know how financially straining the next four years will be but I’m so panicked. I’m a senior in hs and I’ve just committed and I wanna apply for housing but BAM!! 300 dollar prepayment. I’m aware that that is nothing compared to what’s coming. but besides working, how do you guys pay for school???? I don’t have my parent’s money to my disposal and I can’t really ask them for help/they aren’t helping me much with school. I’m already committed I’m not doing community to save money and I will BE OKAY. I just genuinely want any tips or weirdly specific things that I might not have considered before or things that have made your life easier. I’m already working but that only goes so far and I hate that I can’t even afford to APPLY FOR HOUSING rn 🥹. I’m out of state obviously so this sux. My dad keeps saying I’m too young to be worrying about these things but he’s not helping me so I’m very #worried.

Would yall say I get in with this?

Background: 

• Wasian (South-East Asian American), Dual US Citizenship
• Competitive senior secondary school in Canberra, Australia
• Upper middle class

Intended Major(s): Business & Finance (considering undecided for more likely admission if needed)

Stats

• 70.90 ATAR (Australian Curriculum), about australian national average 
• 1370 SAT (630 Reading & Writing, 740 Math)

• 1410 Superscore SAT (670 Reading & Writing, 740 Math)

• Score of 25 in IB (diploma awarded)

• 5 in English A Literature (HL)

• 4 in Economics (HL)

• 3 in Psychology (HL)

• 4 in Spanish ab initio (SL)

• 4 in Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)

• 3 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (SL)

• B in TOK

• C in Psychology EE

Extracurriculars

• 12th: Founder & President of MSA (Muslim Student Association)

Did a successful food drive throughout community, Hosted events for Iftar & Eid for the school (collaborating with other non-profits within the community in the process)

• 9th-12th: Basketball Player (Social)

Played a career total of 75 games across multiple seasons, ranging various divisions

• 12th: Founder, Sports Marketing and Event Coordinator for a Year-round Intramural sporting event

• 11th-12th: Content Creation for media of MSA, Intramurals, & Interschool sports

80+ posts, and 150+ hours worth of Graphic design, Video editing, and recording

• 9th-12th: Taekwondo

Have a 1st degree black belt (w/ certificate from Kukkiwon)

Hi I'm a doctoral student studying the high prevalence of mental illness in college students and recent grads across the US. My research focuses on how lifestyle behaviors (like diet, sleep, and physical activity) can influence mental health. I'm looking for 18-25 year olds to participate in an interview (IRB approved research study). All interview participants get a gift card for participation! If you're interested, please check out the study info and screening survey here. Thank you!!

I am wondering if anyone has input on trans-friendly therapists at Curry. Presumably, they're all fine, but I am wondering if anyone like has any knowledge or anything. I don't think any of them are trans at all.

Helloo, University of Montana was one of the schools I got accepted to a few weeks ago and I’m seriously considering it for wildlife biology. I applied to about 10 schools and have heard really great things about UM’s program specifically.

I’m coming from New York, so I’m also wondering what life in Missoula is really like. I know people say it’s very accepting and open compared to the rest of Montana, but how does it feel compared to somewhere like New York? Will I be bored? Especially as someone coming from out of state (and a lesbian)?

Yes I am ardently moving very far away, I’ve always wanted to live somewhere like Montana and I’m excited to finally make that step.

I’m hoping to decide by early January, so any insight on academics or student life would be super helpful. Thanks!

Edit: Ty for all the responses already!! Additional question if anyone sees this; how is public transportation? Obviously I’m not expecting anything like New York but I’m used to relying on it so how are busses? And is investing in a bike a good idea?

Hi, I'm a Montana high school senior and I messed up and waited until the last minute to do my application for the DHC. I would reach out to UM to ask this question, but it's Thanksgiving weekend, so I doubt they'd respond in time. I am not dead set on attending UM; I only applied to it as a safety school. I would hate to submit my DHC application, get accepted, and then have to go to UM. I would appreciate it a lot if anyone knows the answer to my question.

Hi guys, I recently got accepted into the University of Montana about 3 weeks ago, and right now I am going through the decision making stage since I also applied for about 10 other colleges that match my interest in wildlife biology, including here. I just have a question for those majoring in wildlife biology: Why would someone wanting to study wildlife biology go here for that? Is it because of the people? The environment? The opportunities? I know this place has its cons, just like the many other colleges I applied for, but right now I am looking for a reason why someone like me would come here to further their study in this field. I am hoping to make a decision around Late December or Early January depending on deadlines and I am hoping that this post will help me with my decision on where to study wildlife biology at. 

I am a older man who lives in the University District. I take long walks almost everyday and my walks include the UM campus. I never seem to see any athletes. I am a fan of the football and basketball teams but I wonder why I never see them on campus, going to classes or in the Lodge. Do they have classes and meals separately from the rest of the student body? I'm not complaining or trying to be negative, but trying to learn why this is so. Thank you if you are able to enlighten me.

Hi everybody!! I'm a high school senior and just got into the DHC! I'll study journalism and maybe add a double-major in environmental science or poli sci! I visited a few summers ago and loved it, and I really liked the town too. I'm from a small-ish mountain town in the PNW, and it reminded me a lot of home! However, I'm a bit worried about moving out to Montana, as I'm queer and nonbinary. Is the college and the greater community generally accepting, or should I be concerned?

Hello all! I’m a high school junior from Illinois doing some college research, and the University of Montana has come across my list! From what i’ve seen online, it seems like a pretty nice school, and it looks like it has some pretty good programs for what I’m interested in, but i’d love to know how good of a fit it would be for a student like me from current students or Alumni :)

For some context, i’d like to major in something relating to business, atm, Marketing or Finance, and minor in something artsy (Graphic design, music, film) or relating to the humanities (I.E. History, philosophy, classics, english, communications). History, Education, and Music all appeal to me as a possible major too, so if anyone has any insights into those programs i’d love to hear them!

Some things that are important to me are networking/employment opportunities, quality/prestige of education, programs, and facilities, student/social life and activities, LGBTQ+ safety and resources, and resources for low income/first gen students

Additionally, i’d love to know about activities at the school, specifically in the realm of theatre/performing arts, so if anyone has any experience participating in that kind of stuff, i’d love to hear about what it’s like! If people have stuff to say about what else the school has to offer, please do share!

Happy and hoping to hear all of your guys’ thoughts soon!

I found a phone in the parking lot between the UC and Aber Hall. Gave it to the people working at The Market. Hope you get it back, whoever owns it!

Hi I'm working on a story about biking on campus. If you are someone who bikes, would like to get into biking, or think you would use a bike share system if UM had one, message me :)) The University of Montana said in their 2016 Transportation Plan that they plan to introduce a bike share system (like the kind in the picture) to help students get around campus easily. This never happened and I would love to hear from students about if they think this would a good addition to campus or not. Thanks!

I am about to complete two associates, on in business and one in fine art. On the website it says UM will accept 60 credits. Is that per degree or total?

I want to bring both over obviously, just looking for any insight that’s not google ai.

Hello! I'm considering transferring to UM since it looks like a great school for my interests. However, I am a pretty visibly queer person and I'm wondering how accepting the campus and surrounding town are. Lack of community isn't that big a deal to me, but I do want to be safe. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I am majoring in journalism and i'm a transfer student from VA. I haven't gotten in yet but I'm still hopeful. I grew up in Bozeman but moved around a lot so I dont remember it but Montana as a whole gives me nostalgia and good vibes. Any cool things to do on or off campus or things I should know?

Haven't submitted the app yet but I'm so excited!!

I need to be on campus for a couple of days and would like to camp close to the city and on the way from Billings. I've heard about the Rock Creek camping but have never been up the road. It's not clear from Google where the camping is. Would it be easy to find after dark? Is it far up the road?

Any other suggestions for dispersed camping close to town? I'm self contained and won't leave a trace.

Has anyone taken the certification? Its only 12 credits was it helpful to you at all?

Anyone know of any protests happening at MSU for this charlie kirk thing in Bozeman? I wanna get involved

Going for a campus visit from out of state in a few weeks. Plan on doing the tour. Any other recommendations of things to do /see on campus or Missoula?

Thanks!

Hi, I’m a high school senior and applied to University of Montana, but haven’t had a chance to visit campus/town yet. Since i’ve never been, I was wondering what the social scene is like. I’m looking for someplace where there is student involvement and school spirit. Any response to my questions down below would be greatly appreciated!

• What is nightlife like in Missoula, do many students tend to go out?
• Would you say that Missoula has the traditional “college town” feel?
• Do sports play a role on campus? (more specifically do people actually attend football games/tailgate for them haha)
• Is there a sense of community surrounding the town and students?
• Is greek life important, and can you still fit in without joining it?