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Printer-Friendly ModeAlternative breaks discussed at president's forum
November 12, 2007 —
Few students were drawn into the President's forum this month, but they were curious and determined.
Richard Hill, a second year student represented his Alternative Breaks group. With their group looking forward to spending time in Birmingham, Alabama on environmental issues, Hill wanted to help the SVSU community as well.
"We want to bring our thoughts and issues to school," Hill commented. "We want to put a recycling bin next to every trash can."
President Gilbertson nodded, agreeing with Hill.
"We'd be more than willing to support students that want to do this," Gilbertson replied.
He explained that if they got a group together and planned it out, they would be able to make a difference.
"If we don't start with ideas, it won't go anywhere," Gilbertson added.
The next issue brought up was discrimination in the classroom. One student felt that too many of the minority students including African Americans, single parents and others, were having to retake tests because they were being scored low on purpose. She wanted to know whether or not there was something that could be done to look into this.
President Gilbertson explained that it all depends on how many students complain about the issue. If someone can show that they have been discriminated against, they could file a complaint and then that would be investigated.
"Our job is to try and sort those things out," Gilbertson explained. "If there's reason to believe, we want to get into that."
The last issue discussed was brought up by senior Julie Phenis. Phenis expressed interest in whether or not all employees of the university were making a living wage.
"I wonder if everyone from grounds keeping up to people working on the third floor of Wickes are making enough to live?" Phenis asked.
President Gilbertson explained that things like wages are public records and can be found in the library if anyone is interested in knowing something like that. All full-time employees' wages can be found, however part-time employees such as student workers are not listed.
"It depends on what you define as a living wage," explained Gilbertson. "Our wages compare favorable to the market around us. We're a preferred employer with the money we pay and the benefits included."
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Robert Maurovich explained an interest in the enforcement of the new smoking policy. He told students and staff that there will be classes available to take as well as a change in signs around campus to remind everyone of the new policy. There will also be an email sent around to everyone that will include the new structure and rules of the non-smoking environment policy.