In our first issue on Aug. 22, our staff compiled 10 things we’d like to see change on campus.
At the midpoint of the semester, we are revisiting these pleas for progress. We have graded them based on the progress, just like a student would be graded on a midterm exam.
A more commuter friendly atmosphere: D. The first floor of the West parking garage is almost exclusively for commuters. But where there used to be one centrally-located parking spot for every commuter, there is now one for every seven, and they are on the farthest fringe of campus.
Longer library hours: F. How hard is it to put someone in the library from midnight until 3 a.m., or even later? If this is to have the appearance of an academically-centered campus, there must be a spot for people to go study at any hour with full resources available.
More professors, smaller entry-level classes: F. There are 3.3 percent more students this year than last. And classes aren’t any smaller, but certainly are bigger.
Open the post office on Saturdays: C. The doors are open, but the windows are closed. You can get your mail, but not send nor receive packages. Real post offices are open on Saturday for sending mail. The upgraded office is nice, but lines are longer than ever and patience lower than before.
Better dining hours: B. Jazzman’s is now open until 1 a.m., which is a major improvement. No one wants coffee at 6 p.m., or at least most rational people don’t. Now, if we could only get Salsa Rico’s open until 1 a.m. and open on Fridays, we’d be on to something.
Progressive conduct policies: C. The minimum sanctions clause is hazy. Boards have the opportunity to not issue a mandatory minimum sentence, and the required community service hours have been stricken from the handbook. Additionally, since Judicial Coordinator Mike Gilmer now runs all pre-hearings himself, he has the option to dismiss charges before a board ever sees them, if he deems it fit.
A free, open flow of information from administrators: D. Unfortunately, we still hear about things at the last second. And some groups are still shut off from contact with The Minaret. But for the most part, there has been a steady stream of communication. We wouldn’t call it a river of information, but it’s a trickle, which is way better than the dry bed we used to suffer through.
Upgrade and extend the McNiff Fitness Center and intramurals program: B. SG President Andrew Learned said that there are plans for a new fitness center on the school’s master plan. Unfortunately, there’s no timeline for this new building. Intramurals are as popular as they’ve ever been, which is an encouraging sign.
More student involvement: A. SG sees huge turnouts every week, and Student Productions has packed the house to capacity for multiple events. Over 80 people have contributed to The Minaret, and more tag along every week. New clubs abound, and involvement is at a high level.
Keep it up, UT.
Editorial: UT’s Midterm Grades
Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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