Eastern Michigan University students had an opportunity
they have seldom experienced — a chance to ask questions,
point-blank, of their president.
And they did.
Topics tossed EMU President John Fallon's way during a
Feb. 15 open forum in Eastern Eateries ranged from the
expected — student parking woes and the potential
for tuition increases next year — to the more
specific, including dance students' request for more studio
space and another student query about better enforcement
of the University's smoking policy.
 |
LENDING AN EAR: EMU President John Fallon
discusses the needs of EMU's Dance Program with
(sitting, from left) Hannah Wilding, a freshman
from
Buffalo, N.Y.; Amy Hanseman, a senior from
Traverse
City' and Audra Larson, a senior from
Livonia, during
an open forum at the Eastern Eateries
Feb. 15. This
was the president's third open forum,
which provides
the campus community and the public
an opportunity
to discuss issues and asks questions. |
But perhaps the best bit of news students heard was that
Gov. Granholm has included $52 million for the renovation
of Pray-Harrold in her proposed budget. While Fallon stressed
that action does not guarantee EMU will receive that amount
because the state budget still has to pass muster with
the House and Senate, he said it's a positive sign for
EMU.
"That's good news. I'm not aware if we've ever had this
(Pray-Harrold) on the (state's) priority project list," Fallon
told a gathering of students. "But I can say this: If you're
in the budget, you've got a shot. If you're not in the
budget, you don't have a shot."
In his Feb. 16 periodic update to campus, Fallon elaborated
on the Pray-Harrold project.
"This project will create jobs in the local economy, protect
a valuable state asset and, most importantly, enhance the
teaching and learning environment," he said. "I'm very
appreciative of the numerous legislators who have visited
Eastern Michigan University to see first-hand the critical
needs in this building and helped to move the project forward.
We are going to continue to work very hard to make sure
that everyone in Lansing understands the importance of
this project so that it remains on the list of funded projects
when the final budget is approved."
Relative to the subject, two students asked why there
are no places to study in Pray-Harrold. Fallon responded
that the classroom building, EMU's largest, was built in
1969 when the majority of the student population were traditional
in nature.
"It wasn't built at a time of nontraditional students,
which is now the new majority. (Study) space was not provided
there," Fallon said. "So, we have to retrofit the building."
Another student raised similar questions about the lack
of study space at the College of Business and suggested
the basement floor be used. Tony Catner, one of a handful
of senior administrators present to provide their expertise,
said the physical plant is going to install new carpeting
in the basement and is "doing some things" to make it more
conducive as a study area.
The future of McKenny Union, and Jones and Goddard halls
also was discussed after students posed questions.
When the new student center opens sometime in October,
McKenny Union will be closed a year for renovations, said
Jim Vick, vice president for student affairs. When it reopens,
it will initially be used for meetings, catering operations
will be based there and limited coffee shop/deli/lobby
shop service will be offered. A time goes on, portions
of McKenny Union will be used for office space, he said.
"Jones is gone. It's been mothballed. Goddard will be
fixed and remodeled, so each dorm room has individual bathrooms," Vick
said. "Students like the layout of bigger rooms there."
While discussion of facilities dominated the Q &A
session, parking was discussed, from students saying they
can't find parking and others wondering why parking hang
tags cost $75 per semester.
"I've worked at various universities for decades. I've
never been at a place without parking problems," Fallon
said. "But, there is parking. There's just never been a
parking space 12 feet from the door you want to go to."
One student suggested hang-tag costs should
be $75 per year rather than per semester. Other than fees
collected from parking hangtags, DPS Police Chief Cindy
Hall said the University has no other funding source to
maintain its parking lots and structures.
"The parking system has to be self-generating (for revenues)," Hall
said. "It pays for plowing, snow removal and patching of
lots."
Three female students wondered if more studio dance space
on campus could be created. They cited one dance studio
in Warner, but said that space is filled most of the day
with classes and scheduled rehearsals.
"There's no place for us to grow," said one of the students. "I
feel I should be learning. I can't apply what I'm learning
in class."
Catner said the physical plant receives requests for space
utilization needs on campus.
"If we know the needs, we can match the space to campus," Catner
said.
