ASUP seeks ideas for campus improvements

By Amanda Blas Staff Writer blas13@up.edu

UP can plan on a student-funded, student-selected new capital improvement project on campus this semester, thanks to the return of approximately $20,000 in unused student funds.

Through the Capital Improvement Fund (CIF), ASUP is able to make an improvement on campus every semester, such as new furniture and equipment or upgrades to existing campus facilities.

Last spring in an unprecedented vote, the ASUP Senate decided to dedicate fall semester CIF money to the RISE campaign for three years, specifically the project to replace Howard Hall with a new recreation center. However, because last fall semester's student-selected capital improvement project failed to get the approval of the administration, the money earmarked for that is now available for an alternative project in addition to the RISE campaign donation.

For last fall semester's project, ASUP initially planned to add a permanent seating area on the East Side Quad, similar to the one outside the Pilot House.

"It was meant to give students an outdoor place to relax and mingle since there's no place on that side of campus for them to do so," Jeromy Koffler, director of student activities and ASUP adviser, said.

However, the project was not approved by the administration.

"The officers were uncomfortable with putting a permanent area that would restrict underground wiring, water and sewer lines," Koffler said. "The current (ASUP) Executive Board decided to retain the money and bring it back for fall 2011 so they can decide on a new project."

With the CIF money now available this semester, ASUP will soon begin soliciting ideas for improvement projects.

Recent CIF projects include upgrades for Pilots Audio Lighting, which provides lighting and sound equipment for all campus clubs, and repairs to the Victory Bell outside the Chiles Center.