Make KU a leading University in Sustainability

Create a Center for Sustainability

Instituting environmentally friendly initiative, such as the grey water system

The Sustainability Task Force, formed by the Provost in 2004, recently published their report on recommendations for campus that included plans for a Center for Sustainability. Therefore, whether Delta Force wins or not, this initiative will continue forth. On the other hand, the grey water policy, which deals with recycling storm water and using this for landscape watering on campus, will take a lot more coordination and planning. The required logistical overhaul to implement the grey water system would cost $500,000. If this change comes to fruition the University would save an estimated $100,000 each year afterwards. It’s a good idea but will take a lot of effort.

Create an objective noise ordinance

Lobby the commission for a more objective city ordinance

Challenge the nuisance house ordinance that allows for the utilities to be shut off

for those found in violation

Currently students living off campus can be punished for anything considered “excessive, unreasonable or unusually loud noise.” Delta Force would like to more narrowly define acceptable decibel levels, designated quiet hours and other realistic regulations. This is the most realistic and feasible platform by means of lobbying the city commission.

Reform Sexual Assault Policy

Clarify current rules regarding specific consequences for certain types of sexual assault so that each case is treated justly and the safety of all attending the University is ensured

This platform superficially addresses a non-issue with little regard for the University’s discretion in these matters. Even how Delta Force presents this topic – as if it were a rampant problem here that has left many victims further traumatized – serves to promote excessive fear and concern. Yes, sexual harassment is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with in a serious and forthright manner but the University does not have an extensive history of not living up to this standard. Furthermore, anytime the ability the decide punishment is limited, the legitimacy of the process is detracted.

Institute Electronic Privacy

Establishing a definite policy of how Web sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, can be used in regards to student discipline and University employment.

We appreciate Delta Force’s desire for the University to be accountable for the unethical practice of punishing students based on what they post online. Nonetheless, students are ultimately the ones to make the decision on what kind of information they present about themselves in the public forum of the Internet. This initiative seems to blow this problem out of proportion but has a noble intent.

Create Student Friendly Libraries

Increase amount of quiet study areas

Create rest and relaxation rooms where students can sleep

Increasing the amount of study areas is fine but creating sleeping rooms is less practical and not well planned. Delta Force does not know where these rooms would be and they admit that librarians are against the idea, saying libraries are for studying and not sleeping. Then there also is the concern of the safety of the rooms. Their solution was to have students show student ids to enter. This is cumbersome and does not guard against theft or prevent students from partaking in activities other than sleeping.

Increase Student Created Media and Publications

Want more student-created media projects including zines, film and music

More opportunities and resources to get academic works published

This is a good idea to promote greater student expression. Right now a group must be established for about one and a half semesters before they would receive funding. In addition, the student media board does not allow for a publication to be mainly Web-based, which is the direction publications publication are going. In short, student media regulations does need overhauling.

Divest from Sudan

Work to see that KU takes an active stance against genocide and withdraws all investments from companies that do business with the Sudanese government

The term “high-falutin’ rhetoric” comes to mind when discussing this issue. What companies would be included and how do we define what business deals with Sudan? What would the University do when the conflict is over? How does this affect students directly? This issue is an excellent social issue but not appropriate for a platform issue.

Support GTAs during contract negotiations

Supporting the abolishment of the ten semester limit for GTAs

Help them lobby for better healthcare plans

This is a good platform that reaches out to graduate students, a demographic often neglected. They have long pioneered for these rights and further support from Delta Force is a step in the right direction to give them the political clout they need in negotiations with the University.