2008 Woodie Awards
University Center plans unclear
Details of restructuring plans still being discussed.
Chris Hoff
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: The Future of Humboldt State
President Rollin Richmond addressed the University Center Board of Directors last week with plans to assist services that face cuts but lack a new source of money. Humboldt State University cannot depend on state funds for services students expect, Senior Communications Officer Paul Mann explained.
Richmond's proposal would create two new boards. His plan changes management of services overseen by the University Center Board. Students are concerned it will weaken their voice on campus.
Mann said Richmond's plan is designed to improve services by making them more efficient and integrated. The new University Center Board would retain its current composition of students, administrators and faculty. This board will oversee Associated Students, Center Activities, AS Presents and the Student Recreation Center.
The second, new board would oversee profit-making retail services. The HSU Bookstore, Dining Services and Center Arts are the services that will be under this second new board. One option places this board under the University Advancement Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to financially support the university.
In the future, new retail services could be added, with ideas being discussed such as a music store, computer repair and housing for staff and faculty.
Mann explained the motivations for this change are funding shortfalls expected from the state level. He said, "It's a formula that would enable the university to generate more outside revenue."
The plan also connects Associated Students, Student Recreation Center and the Student Union building closer to those available in Student Affairs. Programs like the Learning Center will work closer with the new University Center Board.
Mann explained this would centralize student services and make them more accessible. "Students will have a better idea overall of what is available on campus," he said.
Steven Butler, vice president of student affairs, is excited about the plans. Though not at the meeting in which it was proposed, his assistant Randi Darnall-Burke attended for him.
Richmond's proposal would create two new boards. His plan changes management of services overseen by the University Center Board. Students are concerned it will weaken their voice on campus.
Mann said Richmond's plan is designed to improve services by making them more efficient and integrated. The new University Center Board would retain its current composition of students, administrators and faculty. This board will oversee Associated Students, Center Activities, AS Presents and the Student Recreation Center.
The second, new board would oversee profit-making retail services. The HSU Bookstore, Dining Services and Center Arts are the services that will be under this second new board. One option places this board under the University Advancement Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to financially support the university.
In the future, new retail services could be added, with ideas being discussed such as a music store, computer repair and housing for staff and faculty.
Mann explained the motivations for this change are funding shortfalls expected from the state level. He said, "It's a formula that would enable the university to generate more outside revenue."
The plan also connects Associated Students, Student Recreation Center and the Student Union building closer to those available in Student Affairs. Programs like the Learning Center will work closer with the new University Center Board.
Mann explained this would centralize student services and make them more accessible. "Students will have a better idea overall of what is available on campus," he said.
Steven Butler, vice president of student affairs, is excited about the plans. Though not at the meeting in which it was proposed, his assistant Randi Darnall-Burke attended for him.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
JS
posted 4/25/08 @ 10:19 PM PST
"Butler acknowledges the plan could weaken the students' voice over retail services."
That should have been your lede. It's a classic power grab. Students lose what little input they have. (Continued…)
master shake
posted 4/26/08 @ 12:29 PM PST
when is the mcdonalds coming? i sure could go for a big mac right now, with fries please, oh yes, supersize me of course
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