Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModePresident, students discuss tailgating, campus facilities during open forum
September 25, 2006 —
President Eric R. Gilbertson and a number of University staff and students were present for the first President's Open Forum of the year last Tuesday. Discussion ranged from tailgating to pathway lighting to recycling bins and bike racks.
According to Gilbertson, Pioneer Hall construction and renovation - which has displaced engineering students - is on track to be completed in August before school starts.
The completed Pioneer will house classrooms, and the new wing will hold labs as well as offices. Most engineering classes are currently taking place in the old theatre building, which will eventually house new studios for the art department.
There was some discussion on tailgating, safety, the University's reputation, and the needed balance between having fun and out of control behavior.
"No one wants to create a police state where we are administering breathalyzers to every student," Gilbertson said.
The issue was to be revisited the following evening in a meeting between student leaders and Gilbertson himself.
Student Julie Phenis of the University Residence Association brought up the double doors in front of Student Life. She asked why the handles were removed on the outside, essentially making it an exit only. The problem is that students in the Living Center with wheelchairs have to use the other door further down.
Gilbertson directed the question to Steve Hocquard, assistant vice president for Campus Facilities. Hocquard stated the doors are not supposed to be used as an entrance because the building was not designed with that in mind.
Instead, they were designed as emergency exits. The doors were fitted with handles when construction was being done in Doan.
Student Randy Walker of Pine Grove Council discussed the need for a recreation center in Pine Grove, and also brought up the condition of the laundry facilities.
Walker suggested a new laundry/recreation facility. Gilbertson pointed out the difficulties of such an addition, saying it would probably cost the University around $500,000 to build such a structure for Pine Grove.
The lack of recycling bins around campus was also discussed. The question was why there is not a recycling bin for every trashcan. Hocquard answered, citing logistic concerns as well as the fire hazard they present. Another problem he mentioned is students mixing materials and using recycling bins as trash cans. All items would also have to be rinsed out and materials separated, making man power a problem as well.
In addition scheduling was brought up, leading Gilbertson to reveal the plan to allow students to view what classes are offered up to a year in advance.
