2002-2003 Priorities

Priorities for the 2002-2003 Academic Year

General Maintenance Priorities

Learning Center Flooding

For several years, the basement of the Learning Center has received damage due to continual flooding.  This flooding that occurs each time we receive a heavy rain is creating an unclean and dangerous learning environment. 

Students are concerned about the conditions of the LC basement. Depending on the steps that have already been taken by the university, changes may need to be made to:

• Examine the foundation of the building
• Look at waterproofing the inside and outside of the LC
• Current drainage systems
• Soil that surrounds the foundation

Once or if the flooding has been improved, we recommend that a thorough professional cleaning job be done and new carpet and furnishings be installed.  The damage done to the current carpet has created allergens that can cause illness for many.

Extermination of all University Buildings

Each fall and spring (especially this year), academic buildings and residential facilities become infested with numerous bugs and insects.  Student Government suggests that the university contracts with professionals to seal as many cracks and holes on the outside of buildings as possible, check all foundation and attic vents for tight-fitting screens and have professionals treat (exterminate) the facilities during midterm break.

Facilities Renovations

Student Activities Meeting Space

For several years, there has been a need for added student organization meeting space in the Campus Center.  Don Miller, director of Student Activities & Orientation has been pushing for changes in the Mezzanine of the Campus Center to move the Faculty Dining Room to the South Dining Room (after renovation) and convert the Mezzanine into renovated conference rooms/meeting spaces.  This space could be updated with new carpet, blinds, new office furniture, and movable dividers.  Student Government supports the changes proposed by Don Miller.

Dorm Showers Renovations

A cost-effective and positive renovation could be made to all dorm showering facilities. Student Government continually receives feedback from students of the poor conditions of shower tiles, heads, faucets, curtains, lighting and drainage systems.  If the university could invest funds into this project, students would recognize the universities commitment to continually improving on-campus living conditions. These renovations could take place as soon as possible, if progress was made on one bathroom at a time, as to not hinder current residents.

Renovation of S.S. & Saylor-Ackerman Lounges

After looking at each of the dorms, and with short-term renovations in mind, Student Government would like to see renovations made to the S.S. and Saylor-Ackerman lounges.  As center points on campus, the upgrade and renovation of the lounges would provide not only S.A. & S.S. residents with a space to gather and relax, but also commuter and adult students with a place in between classes. 

SG would like to see similar changes made to the S.S. & S.A. lounge as was made to the Troutman lounge.  The lounges could be closed off with secured doors, new windows and air conditioners could be installed, along with new carpet, counters, railings, furniture, and lighting. Also a professional painting job could improve the atmosphere of the lounges.  These renovations could take place during the school year, as it would not hinder many daily activities.

Academic Initiatives

University Speaker Series

For several years, Student Government has expressed an interest in establishing a University Speaker Series. Students and faculty alike see the benefits in bringing speakers of national and international recognition to campus several times a year. The series has a potential to become a well-established and highly regarded highlight of the academic calendar. The Undergraduate Student Government, along with the Undergraduate Faculty Senate could work closely with the Division of University Relations to identify and help fund speakers who have particular appeal for students.

Student Government would like to make this a high priority academic matter and see it presented to the Board of Trustees at their next meeting.

Partnership Priorities

Outdoor Classroom

The popularity of the current outdoor classroom outside of Troutman Hall, during the fall and spring, has caused Student Government to debate the need of another similar space.  After much discussion for several years, we have made it a priority to work with the provost and vice-presidents to see if another outdoor classroom could be installed this year in a different location, with the help of SG funds.

Other Current SG Initiatives

(From Student Senate & Executive Board fall retreats)

• Participation on the SMART Card Committee
• University master plan participation
• Upgrade of university recycling program
• 0-Lot extended hours and shuttle service
• Continued evaluation of W.F.F. and Hallmark Food Services
• Student Government public relations campaign
• Online grades & registration (working with Registrars Office)
• Increased international student involvement
• Partnership with the Community Service Advisory Council
• Renovation of Commuter Lounge
• Increased communication with administrators & raculty (i.e. Provost Council)
• Partnership with Undergraduate Faculty Senate (participation in meetings)
• Increased student participation on university committees
• Outdoor graduation
• Connecting with CLL undergraduates
• New Learning Center world maps in classrooms
• Continuing College Bowl program
• Promoting the Honors Program
• Increased student organization funding from Student Organization Fund in budget
• Participate in the Multi-Ethnic Strategic Leadership Conference
• Increased partnership with Multicultural Affairs
• Re-tile of all showers in dorms and installation of new shower head and faucets
• Recreation center (Campus Center) upgrades
• Improvements in the radio department