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University modus operandi: Fix problems with Band-Aids

By By John Byerley

Friday, February 4, 2005



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Students at the University of Kansas have plenty to be proud of. The University's outstanding academic character, first-rate professors, innovative student leaders and a pretty good basketball team all contribute to this swelling pride. Talking with any Kansas student or alumnus says how special it is to be a part of a community that is closely-knit, both literally and figuratively. Students have experienced this close community since day one in the form of lines.

Dictionary.com defines a line as “a geometric figure formed by a point moving along a fixed direction and the reverse direction.”

Everyone realizes these so-called lines are inevitable when dealing with administrative or bureaucratic processes here at the University or anywhere.

But while the argument can be made that standing in long, arduous lines brings the student and administrative bodies closer together, these lines can be just a little too close for comfort.

Take the newly-renovated Underground on the first floor of Wescoe Hall for example. There is no better place on campus where the KU community can come together and feel like one big happy family — particularly during peak eating hours of the day. Some days it even feels like the entire KU family has stopped by to get something to eat — reminiscent of Thanksgiving in the cramped dining room of a grandparent’s house.

Those at the end of the line may finish last in the race for seats, eating their food before it becomes cold. But why does the student body have to stress about squeezing into these confined lines? Students have enough problems to stress about during the day.

Students have already begun asking why the Underground was improved but not innovatively expanded. Was this effort by the University just another Band-Aid solution, or was it permanent? The student body unfortunately has also found a similar problem at the new Student Recreation Fitness Center.

The $17 million, 98,000-square-foot recreation center, funded by student fees, opened in the fall of 2003.

While it certainly is a spectacular marvel as compared with Robinson Center, the recreation center has experienced its share of problems during the past several months. The biggest of which are once again lines — lines for racquetball, basketball and weight equipment.

During the recreation center’s peak hours, it is nearly impossible for students to fit in a workout or enjoy any aspect of the center. Recent plans entail a $6.1 million, 50,000-square-foot addition to the center. But when these plans will come into fruition is uncertain. Bargaining between students and administration will likely persist on this issue over money and space.

The editorial board recognizes that the improvements to the Underground and the building of the new recreation center were significant enhancements to the KU community. Students waited for these improvements, but even after these renovations and additions, it seems they are still waiting. Will the University find a permanent solution?

Students may have to continue to wait in line and see. Either students do that, or they can work to pry this Band-Aid off. Because of state budget cuts in education funding, there’s no alternative then for the student body to take action on this issue. A group of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students have already developed an innovative tuition plan that works to alleviate the University’s Band-Aid frenzy. This type of student involvement and planning is what is needed. What are you doing to help?

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