RWC has been changing over the past couple years, with updates to the buildings, new furniture around campus, and many other changes to the look and feel of the campus. Recently the RWC Building and Grounds Committee, composed of faculty, staff, and students, reviewed and discussed many different plans and goals that they would like to reach during the 2007-2008 school year. Professor Melinda Greer has replaced Professor Frank Wray as Chair of the Committee. A recent statement from Greer lists five priorities and goals. Many of these goals appear to be tentative with no absolutes. Here is the list:
1) The committee will be working on a system to prioritize renovation projects, space upgrade requests from various departments, and repairs/upgrades necessary to keep our buildings operating smoothly and looking attractive. In other words, how do we decide which projects should be done first while keeping in mind the budget we have to work with?
2) We will be investigating the issue of parking. What is the current income from parking fees, how is it spent, what kind of fee increase might be necessary to keep our parking lots maintained, and how would a fee increase be implemented?
3) Many faculty have expressed a desire for a smoke-free campus. A subcommittee will be designated to investigate this issue.
4) A subcommittee has been assigned to find out what the current policies and procedures are for dealing with emergencies on campus with a goal of informing and reminding the faculty of what we should do in various types of emergency situations.
5) The committee will also carry out its usual functions concerning faculty office space assignment, posting on campus, and other miscellaneous issues as they arise throughout the year.
Obviously the biggest question is parking. Many students argue that there are not enough spots for the students. But how would that be addressed without implementing more fees for the students? Is an increase worth the extra money to save two minutes to a student’s walk to class?
Another major issue being addressed is the issue of smoking on campus. Almost everyone has walked through “smoker’s alley” in the front of Muntz. But are there more non-smokers on campus who feel that RWC should be smoke free?
Only time will tell whether or not any of these major issues will be addressed this school year. If you have comments, suggestions, or questions about any of the items above, feel free to share them with Professor Greer or any other member of the Building and Grounds committee.