After nearly a term of collecting ideas about how to spend nearly $800,000 in over-realized incidental fee money, the Student Senate appropriations committee is closing in on which proposals will make the final cut.
The committee originally received more than 70 proposals and has since narrowed them down to the 35 that earned the sponsorship of committee members.
Those 35 proposals will be cut down to two packages, each totaling about $800,000.
Sometime next week, the committee is expected to host a town hall meeting to introduce the packages and get community input. They will then present both packages to the full Senate, which will make the final decision.
The following is a summary of each of the proposals, in no particular order, based on the paperwork submitted to the appropriations committee.
1. Student Recreation Center – $399,176
The rec center submitted several proposals, which were packaged together into one. The first proposal was submitted by Physical Activity and Recreational Sports Associate Director Jen de-Vries. It seeks to fill the anticipated budget deficit for fiscal year 2007 (the current academic year) and is for $133,705.
De-Vries also suggested a proposal to offset the projected deficit for the 2007-08 academic year. The total amount of this proposal is $214,050. It is unclear whether this amount is additional or is a combination of both year’s deficits.
A third portion, which asks for $51,421, would fill a “capitalized equipment” reserve fund mandated by the Oregon University System. The rec center is in the third year of a five-year plan to fill this fund. This amount is equal to one year’s worth of saving.
2. KWVA integrated suite – $200,000
This proposal, submitted by KWVA General Manager Charlotte Nisser, requests $200,000 to expand the current KWVA space, which occupies slightly more than 500 sq. ft., to include space currently occupied by the EMU Marketing Department and a storage space used by the Outdoor Program.
The new space would include a secure workspace for students, an entry space where visitors can wait without disturbing the people working in the station, bigger studios, space for a music library and new space for engineering and music processing.
The new office would also allow KWVA to install a central air service to regulate temperature in the office (something that is necessary to keep the equipment in working order). This would eliminate the need to operate air conditioners year-round, reducing energy costs, according to the proposal.
3. Biodiesel initiative – $12,500
The University Office of Environmental Health and Safety submitted this proposal for $12,500 to build a biodiesel processor at the University.
The processor would convert the 3,200 gallons of used cooking oil produced on campus each year into biodiesel that could be used by campus programs that use biodiesel vans.
An old car wash bay at the former Romania car lot owned by the University would be retrofitted with a mini-processor which could be used to make test batches of biodiesel, the proposal says. Eventually, more money would be needed to build a full-scale processor.
4. Electronic ticket package -roughly $210,000
There were several proposals to create an electronic ticketing system, which would allow students to pick up tickets to athletic events on the Internet instead of waiting in line.
One proposal, submitted by Athletic Department Finance Committee Chairman Kyle McKenzie, requests $50,000 to purchase the necessary hardware and equipment to scan student ID cards at events.
McKenzie’s proposal suggests that students would register on line for a lottery to ensure that every student has a chance to attend games.
A second proposal from Megan Goddard, Haley Heieck, Billy Tam, Geoffry Smith and Bradley Hoffa requests between $150,000 and $160,000. This proposal suggests implementing a point system in which students receive points for attending games. Although tickets would be distributed through a lottery, students with the most points would have first priority.
This proposal seeks to eliminate the current problem of students picking up tickets and then not attending the games. The tickets would contain a scannable barcode identifying them with the specific ticket-holder, making it possible to track which students actually go to the games for which they receive tickets.
Both electronic ticket proposals address the problem of long lines that require students to wait for hours, often skipping classes, to obtain tickets.
5. School of Music and Dance – $98,520
Two proposals from the School of Music and Dance seek to make improvements to music building room 198 – the most heavily used room in the building. Room 198 is used not just as a classroom, but as a venue for performances.
Both proposals address the need for upgrades that will allow higher quality performances in the room.
The first proposal requests $43,520 for upgrades to the flooring and new chairs.
New flooring would improve the acoustical quality of the sound in the room, making it a better place to host performances, the proposal states. It also says the new chairs are designed to address the physical needs of musicians.
A second proposal requests $55,000 for a new Steinway Model B Grand Piano. The proposal says that Steinway pianos “set the world standard” for how pianos should sound and that many professional musicians refuse to play anything but a Steinway.
The piano that is currently used in the room is more than 40 years old and is at the end of its life, the proposal says. Professional musicians will not play the piano because it is in such poor condition. The proposal says that a new piano would be expected to last just as long.
6. EMU/McKenzie collaborative labs – $151,775
Two proposals from Don Harris, Vice Provost and CIO for Information Services, seek to create collaborative work spaces in the EMU and McKenzie computer labs. The new spaces would be equipped with high-tech devices such as electronic white boards that students can write on with a stylus and then print their work. The spaces would also provide laptops for check-out.
The proposals ask for $64,675 to create the EMU lab and another $87,100 for the McKenzie space.
7. Biodiesel recycling vans – $287,960
A proposal submitted by Tyler Polich of the Campus Recycling Program asks for $287,960 to purchase five biodiesel vans for the program.
The vans currently used by the program are nearly 40 years old, require constant maintenance, and emit so much pollution that they are hazardous to students, the proposal says.
8. University Day Heart of Campus map – $24,000
A proposal from Mai Le of the University Day program requests $24,000 to build a new lighted map station at the “Heart of Campus” on 13th Avenue and University Street.
In addition to a lighted map station (such as the one at Oregon Hall), the space will have a new sitting wall, making it a convenient gathering place for students, the proposal says.
The proposal says that having a map station in one of the busiest areas on campus will make it much easier for visitors and new students to navigate the University.
9. Improvements to textbook buy-back system – $5,099
This proposal, submitted by Kirsten Agard, Lauren Cover, John O’Connor, John Robinson, Michael Speed and Mitch Zavala, requests $5,099 to implement a new used-book selling system at the University of Oregon Bookstore.
The proposal suggests implementing a system in which the bookstore would take books that it can not purchase and sell them on half.com, then return the payment, minus a small fee for expenses, to the student.
The money requested would pay for computers, software, office supplies and furnishing, flyers and a storage room.
10. Solar hot water heating project – $95,350
The Ecological Design Center submitted this proposal, which requests $95,
350 to install a solar-powered heating system for the pool at the Student Recreation Center.
The proposal suggests installing a 2,400 square foot solar array on the roof of the rec center to heat the pool. Using solar power would reduce the annual energy costs by $4,635 and drastically reduce carbon emissions from the current natural gas heating system, the proposal says.
11. Water conservation – $190,000
Amy Cooper, Chad Merrihew, Alex Peerenboom, Patrick Redinger Daniel Stausbaugh and Yao Yan submitted a proposal to improve water conservation on campus.
The proposal requests $30,000 to convert water fountains near the Knight Library and Fenton Hall to recirculating systems. The fountains currently run only on special occasions (such as graduation) and waste quite a bit of water, the proposal says. A recirculating system would save water and allow them to run year-round.
A second component of this proposal is for $50,000 to $60,000 to complete the “green-roof” project on the Lillis Business complex. The proposal says that a green roof reduces storm run-off and cools the building, reducing energy costs.
Finally, this proposal requests $100,000 to expand the weather-based irrigation system on campus to include other areas such as the east lawn of the EMU.
12. Interactive clubs and activities Web page – $67,500
Shawn Blyth, Ryan Kangil, Sarah Nelson, Siena Ranuio-Nunes, Andrew Rolfe and Darren Spicer proposed using $67,500 to create a centralized Web site, similar to Blackboard, on which students can find information on all campus clubs, activities, meetings, sporting events and presentations.
Students could log on to this Web site and create a personalized page which would show them information on only the activities they are interested in, according to the proposal. A newly-created ASUO “Social Activities” committee would be responsible for maintaining the site.
The money proposed would go toward design and construction of the Web site, as well as advertising through the Emerald.
13. Lighted bike shelters – $141,000
Another BA 352 proposal by a group of students who called themselves the “Dream Team” requests $141,000 to install solar-powered lights at campus’ eight existing bike shelters and to build two new lighted shelters.
The proposal suggests the problem of bike theft on campus would be greatly reduced by the presence of more lighting around the bike shelters.
14. Improvements to “Duckpond” Web site – $40
“Team Fantastic” from a BA 352 class proposed spending $40 to improve the “Duckpond” Web site, which currently serves University alumni. The proposal suggests improvements to the site would increase access for all alumni, as well as giving current students access.
The proposal suggests that students could use the site to network with alumni, who could post information on job openings on the site.
15. Oregon Marching Band drumline replacement – $26,755
Eric Wiltshire of the Oregon Marching Band requested $26,755 to replace the band’s aging drum line. The current drums are seven years old (they have a maximum life expectancy of six years) and need to be replaced. The proposal requests money to purchase 11 snare drums, six tenor drums (a set of five for each of the six players), six bass drums as well as hardware, carriers and parts for each set.
16. Volunteer In Tax Assistance – $900
Alpha Beta Psi, a business fraternity, provides free tax advice to students and community members through the Volunteer In Tax Assistance program. They are requesting $900 to purchase an advertising banner which would span 13th Avenue near the EMU.
17. Increased distance learning program – $125,000
Siew Hui Bagaason, Ben Lane, Sam Lee, Stephen Martinez and Samantha McFadden proposed spending $125,000 to increase the University’s eLearning program. The proposal suggests that adding 10 new distance learning classes would diversify the student body, create flexibility in schedules, allow students to complete general education requirements away from the University and allow more non-traditional students to take courses.
18. Umbrellas for campus tours – $600
Senator Natalie Kinsey requested $600 for the UO Ambassadors program to purchase umbrellas for people taking campus tours.
19. Pit Crew expansion – $700
Daniel Cogan of the Pit Crew proposed spending $700 to increase student sections for sports such as soccer, volleyball and softball. The money would go toward start-up costs of the new sections, such as purchasing T-shirts for pit crew members, the proposal says.
20. Increasing awareness of the International Resource Center
A group of students who listed themselves as “Team Fantastico” proposed spending some of the over-realized funds on a grand re-opening ceremony for the International Resource Center, which is being remodeled. The proposal suggests hosting a new IRC cultural event each term as well as more advertising and exposure for the center.
There is no cost listed on this proposal.
21. Solar street lights – $175,000
Teodoro Reyes-Ramirez, Trent Pietsch, Tiana Martines-Alcain and Takae Nagamiya proposed $175,000 to install 45 solar-powered street lights in the poorly-lit areas of campus.
The proposal suggests installing 20 lights at Millrace, 10 lights by the School of Music and College of Education and 15 by Villard and Lawrence Halls.
22. Oregon Daily Emerald video production – $11,596
The Emerald is requesting $11,596 to expand its video production capabilities for the web. This would allow students to learn video production skills in a place other than the School of Journalism and give the Emerald the opportunity to shoot video at more events, including breaking stories, the proposal says.
The money would be used to purchase new cameras, microphones and tripods, as well as new computers and software for editing footage.
23. Digital billboard system – $29,400
Jason Belnap, Robin Bostwick, Jennifer Colley, Lucan Mui and Sarah Schulberg proposed spending $29,400 to create a “digital billboard” system. Four 37″ LCD monitors around campus would display information on four topics: sports information, campus and community events, clubs and organizations, and weather, with a rolling ticker with event information scrolling across the bottom of the screen.
The monitors would be placed in prominent locations, giving students a central place to get quick, easy information on campus events, the proposal says.
24. Covered outdoor areas – $60,000
Ryan Spiegel, Rebecca Blanchette, Dillon Borta, Bryan Hansen and Rachel Richardson proposed spending money to build four covered outdoor structures for students to gather and study.
The structures, which the proposal says would cost between $40,000 and $60,000 each, would contain tables, lighting and electrical outlets. They would be partially enclosed to protect students from the elements, according to the proposal. The proposal suggests placing the structures between Chapman Hall and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, between Hendricks Hall and the Collier House, behind the EMU near Carson Hall and in front of Allen and Friendly Halls.
25. Computer Kiosks
A BA 352 proposal from a group of students listed on the proposal as “Team E” proposed installing computer kiosks around campus to provide students fast, easy access to Internet and e-mail.
26. Knight Library electric outlets
A proposal to install additional electrical outlets in the Knight Library has the sponsorship of two members of the appropriations committee. The proposal suggests installing extra outlets to allow for more laptop use.
27. Climate neutral campus – $777,000
Ethan Nelson and Steve Mital proposed spending $777,000 to create a “climate, neutral” campus, reducing the University’s carbon emissions and making it the first major University to achieve “carbon neutrality.” It suggests technology such as using biofuels for transportation, wind power, efficie
nt lighting and solar powered hot water heaters would help meet this goal.
28. Theatre complex expansion – $100,000
Joseph Gilg of the University Theatre proposed spending $100,000 to begin the second phase of construction on the Miller Theatre Complex, which is due to begin on May 11, 2007.
The proposal says this phase of construction will include an “acoustical retrofit” for the Robinson Theatre, adjustments to seating to create better sight lines, new seats and cosmetic improvements such as new paint and lighting. It will also address safety concerns such as the installation of a fire curtain on the stage and better accessibility for disabled people.
29. Emergency management planning outreach – $4,584
Allyson Griffith of the Community Planning Workshop Emergency Management Team requested $4,584 to increase outreach about the University’s emergency plans. The funds would pay for an informational campaign that would notify students of what to do in case of an emergency or natural disaster. The campaign would be orchestrated by a group of graduate students who take the “Community Planning Workshop” through the department of Planning, Public Policy and Management.
30. Dance Oregon – $17,608
Sarah Daily of Dance Oregon proposed $17,608 be spent to purchase new lighting equipment for the Dougherty Dance Theater in Gerlinger Annex. This is the theater where all dance performances from the School of Music and Dance take place.
31. Knight Library Learning Commons expansion – $69,304
Deborah A. Carver, the Philip H. Knight dean of libraries, requested $69,304 to expand the learning commons area of the Knight Library. The money would be spent installing extra power outlets in student study spaces and reserve rooms and to expand the features of the Learning Commons to other campus libraries.
32. KD Magazine – $5,000
Yoon Suh of KD magazine requested $5,000 to cover expenses for the printing of its March issue and to help bring the magazine out of the debt it went into publishing the January issue. The magazine, which is entirely student-run, is running into financial trouble because it is a free publication that relies entirely on donations and advertising revenue, the proposal says.
33. EMU Multicultural Wing expansion – $800,000
EMU Director Dusty Miller submitted a proposal for $800,000 to fund the expansion of the “Multicultural Wing” of the EMU. This would involve expansion of the office of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Queer Alliance, changes to public entries and lobbies, and relocation of the computer lab and copy center.
34. Seminar in Latin American philosophy – $20,000
Grant Silva of the Philosophy Club proposed spending $20,000 to host a seminar in Latin American philosophy. The seminar would be hosted by Dr. Enrique Dussel, who the proposal describes as “one of the most important Latin American intellectuals in the past century.” The money would pay Dussel’s speaking fees, travel and boarding expenses, as well as expenses for other speakers. The seminar is set to take place in spring 2008. It would also cover the costs of renting rooms and providing catering for the reception and seminar.
35. Club Sports – $10,579
Sandy Vaughn, coordinator of EMU Club Sports, proposed spending $10,579 to purchase new furniture and office equipment, including four computers, for its office, which will be expanded this summer.