In addition to improved academic advising, Northwestern administrators agreed Spring Quarter to fund renovations to the Black House and Shanley Pavilion, purchase six treadmills and fund an Asian and Asian-American student services coordinator.
Vice President for Business and Finance Eugene Sunshine said NU will be spending about $2.16 million in the next three years to fund the additions, which were requested in the spring by the Undergraduate Budget Priorities Committee. The UBPC comprises five students who annually propose additions to NU’s budget.
“I don’t know of any other university that lets students into its budgeting process and takes it this seriously,” said Associated Student Government President Jordan Heinz, a member of UBPC. “It’s really important to recognize these kinds of massive, massive changes are to the credit of the students.”
NU’s budget committee decided to fund the proposals at the end of Spring Quarter, and UBPC members were notified in writing this week. The money comes from a “general pot” of federal funds, tuition money, alumni donations and university investment returns, Sunshine said.
Sunshine said the school is allocating $500,000 in recurring costs, such as a salary for the new advising and Asian-American student services positions, for this year. That number will rise to $700,000 next year as more advisers are hired.
NU also allotted $60,000 for capital improvements and one-time costs, most of which are associated with building renovations, Sunshine said.
“(The UBPC) did a really good job of presenting the desirability for the items and the need for them,” Sunshine said.
Heinz, an Education senior, said budget requests were based on student surveys and interviews the UBPC conducted last year. He said the UBPC focused on trying to help organizations that have previously been neglected in the budgeting process.
Students have called for an Asian and Asian-American student services coordinator for several years; it was one of the demands listed in a 1995 student hunger strike. NU announced it would create the position in the spring and hired Tedd Vanadilok, Weinberg ’99, to fill the position on an interim basis after an unsuccessful search this summer for a permanent employee.
The Black House and Shanley Pavilion both serve communities that have been neglected by ASG efforts in the past, Heinz said.
The Black House will get a variety of upgrades, including new computers, new basement furniture and repairs to the outside sign and stairs. Shanley Pavilion will be provided with collapsible risers for seating, a new telephone and repairs to the restrooms and plumbing.
Six new treadmills will be installed in the Sports Pavilion and Aquatic Center after renovations to the center are complete in January.
The UBPC was founded three years ago by former ASG President Ariel Friedler. Five students, including the ASG president and at least two students not affiliated with ASG, make up the committee. NU consistently has fulfilled the majority of requests made by the UBPC, Heinz said.
