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Printer-Friendly ModeGilbertson begins forums
Students raise physical, information security concerns
September 19, 2005 —
President Eric R. Gilbertson's open forum on Thursday was short, yet of significant importance, with a small number of concerns brought forth by students.
Approximately twenty people attended the forum that was held in the Alumni Lounge, seven of which were students. Concerns ranged from issues with the availability of bike racks to handicap accessibility at University facilities.
A large number of students were represented at the meeting by Eric Kucharczyk, who came forth with a petition signed by over 120 students which asked the president to reconsider the decision to lock the stairwell door entrances in Living Center South.
Gilbertson and University Housing administrators agreed that the decision to lock the stairwell doors was a safety measure taken to more closely monitor the people who were coming in and out of the residence halls.
In addition, they commented that the decision was just another step in an overall plan to ensure the continued safety and security of all Saginaw Valley's students.
"Safety comes first," Gilbertson reiterated to those in attendance. "The safety of our students comes before anything else."
Another student raised concerns with the ease he found in bypassing University security measures on the wireless network, particularly pertaining to Web sites containing secure information like Cardinal Direct and CardMail.
Representatives from Information Technology Services assured students that the new Web server and additional updates coming in the next two weeks will alleviate the problem and secure sensitive information.
Other students questioned Gilbertson about the change in the placement of metered parking spaces, and the lack of spaces that were close to main campus.
Gilbertson and members of the University Police Department and Parking Services told students that the metered spaces by Living Center North and Living Center South were to function as short-term, convenient parking for students making quick trips in and out of the residence halls. Also, they were placed in those locations to provide visiting parents with closer and easier to locate parking spaces.
In regards to students' concerns over the presumed shortage of parking spaces, Parking Services officials said as of now there were enough spaces for everyone, and in the next two weeks they will be doing an intensive study of how those spaces are being used, and where, if anywhere, parking needs to be expanded.