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Printer-Friendly ModePresident discusses plans for new building
Pioneer Hall, possible health services building take center stage at forum
January 23, 2006 —
President Eric R. Gilbertson fielded questions and comments Thursday evening in the first Open Forum this semester. A small group of attendees expressed their concerns on a wide variety of things, ranging from road conditions to academic programs.
Dominating the night's discussion was expansion. Gilbertson outlined the University's vision for the upcoming Pioneer Hall addition, as well as confirming some rumors concerning the expansion of the nursing/health sciences program.
Upon being asked about it, the President, choosing his words carefully, introduced those present to what the University and its partners had in mind for a new, comprehensive health sciences building. He speculated that the future addition would most likely lay north of where the Education Building is currently located, and would include research labs as well as classrooms.
In addition to these comments, Gilbertson indicated that the University has sought and will continue to seek partnerships with local health-related companies and organizations. He concluded that this was natural seeing as how health-related professions are an important part of the local economy.
Following the discussion of the planned expansion, the focus turned to the possible restructuring of the C-Store, wherein the former Java City would be repackaged into a business center of sorts, where students could make copies and perform other tasks.
After a call for comments, a student asked Ken Schindler, the University's IT director, why Cardinal Direct closed at 11 p.m. The director explained that routine maintenance on the database required a nightly shutdown.
Another student asked about the wireless "hot spots" that were promised to be up-and-running by now. Schindler responded, saying that they are indeed operational.
According to Schindler, the Zahnow Library, all of the eateries, and some areas in the Education Building are all "hot," and that the IT department was continuing to work on the system in order to allow more students per spot.
To take advantage of the wireless Internet, students will need an 802.11b network card. For technical assistance, call the IT Support Center at (989) 964-4225.