The University of MinnesotaâÄôs website homepage is currently touting an upcoming visit from the Dalai Lama. I was thrilled at the prospect of listening to one of the most iconic figures in the world as he shares his thoughts on “peace through inner peace.”

As I followed the links for more information, I conjured an image of him addressing all comers from the steps of Northrop Auditorium, sitting cross-legged on his stage.

But as I sifted through the information for dates and times, I found a curious statement: “tickets will be available …”

“Surely the University wonâÄôt be charging for such an event,” I thought. I could not have been more wrong. The cheapest tickets for the event are listed at $50 and go as high as $250.

I doubt that I am the only one who thinks it is outrageous to charge any amount of money for college students to listen to the Dalai Lama. Especially the week before finals, a time when we could all use a little inner peace.