I wouldn't say they are a sham. They are the services that students and their families expect. If you don't have them students go somewhere that does have them.

I wouldn't say they are a sham. They are the services that students and their families expect. If you don't have them students go somewhere that does have them. Too many students go elsewhere your enrollment drops. Your enrollment drops, you lose revenue. If you lose too much revenue you have to offer even less services and and are unable to pay top faculty. Even less students consider the College/University. And on and on the viscous cycle goes until the College or University folds due to a lack of sustainable revenue.