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Assault, budget, Atwood addressed
Student government discusses an variety of issues at its meeting
By Eric Stromgren
Student government tackled a variety of issues at last week's meeting.
According to the Women's Center, 11 sexual assaults have been reported within the last year.
Between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2003, five of the assaults occurred on campus and six occurred off campus.
"This is more than we typically see, but we don't see it becoming a trend," said Lee LaDue, Sexual Assault Services coordinator.
Nine of the assaults were committed by acquaintances of the victim and two were committed by strangers. These acquaintances included friends, a friend of a friend, a former student, current students, campus visitors and in one case, the victim's father.
"This illustrates that anyone can be a rapist, even someone we know and trust. This is also consistent with the national statistic that 85 to 90 percent of all rapes are committed by an acquaintance," LaDue said.
Also presented at the meeting was the budget overview and projection for the 2004 and 2005 fiscal years.
The projection includes a proposed 15 percent tuition increase in 2005. The increase corresponds with the MnSCU Board of Trustees decision to raise tuition after state budget cuts of $191.5 million to statewide appropriation funds.
"As we look at 2005, there is a lot of flexibility," said Diana Burlison, associate vice president of administrative affairs.
Factors such as state allocation, enrollment numbers, salary adjustments, increased cost of fringe benefits, rising utility prices and the national economic recession may effect the university's budget in 2005.
An estimated carry forward of $670,000 in SCSU's 2004 budget will open up discussions for adjustment of tuition rates. Also included are discussions for building repair and betterment projects.
"We can make some reasonable decisions about tuition rates, potentially restoring some of the faculty lines we had cut, if we manage to control everything we know of at this point," Burlison said.
"We are just starting those discussions," she said.
A date was also set for the Atwood construction project to move into the final phase this spring when the new addition is opened.
The current space housing the student organization complex and multicultural student services wing will be remodeled April 1. As these areas are being remodeled, Atwood tenants will begin moving to their new areas.
"This means the rest of Atwood becomes a real mess," said Margaret Vos, director of Atwood Center.
The services of the organizations in the affected wing will not be interrupted as a part of the project. The Lady Slipper and Glacier rooms will become a temporary home for student organizations and other offices.
A week later, April 6, the Ballroom will be remodeled as asbestos is removed from wooden support beams in the ceiling. A crew of 25 workers will work five-and-a-half weeks to install a new sprinkler system.
Currently, the asbestos particles are trapped in the ceiling. When the ceiling is dropped, the asbestos particles will become airborne.
Those visiting Atwood will be safeguarded from possible health risks.
"The area will be heavily monitored by an on-site lab measuring air quality levels," Vos said.
In addition, the affected area will literally be bubble wrapped. A double barricade will be placed around the perimeter with people posted to ensure no one will enter the hazardous area.
Director of Conference and Scheduling Bob Klackner is not bothered by the construction.
"It is just another step in the process so we can be ready to roll come September when students return."
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