By Dan FletcherThe Daily Northwestern
Expanded wireless and cell phone coverage and improved campus sustainability should be top priorities for campus funding, according to the Undergraduate Budget Priorities Committee’s recommendations for next year’s budget.
UBPC, which released its report to administrators Tuesday, is a student committee responsible for determining priorities in campus improvements.
The committee polls students annually and presents a list of 10 proposals to the University Budget Committee. UBPC Chairwoman Whitney Gretz said this is the only voice students have in the university’s budget process.
The committee recommended that the university install 300 wireless access points in university buildings and an additional 20 throughout campus. The total cost of the expanded wireless network was estimated at $640,000, and the recommendation asks that the university complete installation by Fall Quarter 2008.
“While $640,000 may seem exorbitant, this is a statement that students value technological needs,” said board member Jay Schumacher, a Communication senior and Associated Student Government president.
“I think it’s an important milestone that students are understanding the important role technology plays and are asking for the basic necessities for their technological lives,” he said.
Gretz, a Weinberg senior, said the proposal should provide for wireless access in all residence halls and campus buildings.
The recommendation also asks the university to install means of extending cell phone coverage in Norris University Center and the Technological Institute.
Gretz said she was excited about student interest in campus sustainability, the committee’s second priority.
“This is the sexiest issue we’ve ever put towards the top of the list,” Gretz said. “I can’t say enough how cool it is that this issue is in the forefront of the conversation.”
In its recommendation, UBPC asks the university to make 50 percent of all new vehicle purchases either hybrid or alternative fuel models beginning in the 2008 fiscal year. The committee is also asking the university to hire a sustainability coordinator and start a committee of faculty, staff and students to promote green building and energy efficiency.
In previous years, UBPC was responsible for recommending construction of the Multicultural House, 1914 Sheridan Rd., the Starbucks and other renovations on Norris’ first floor and a satellite career services office in the library.
Gretz said she didn’t want to predict when students could see this year’s recommendations put into place.
“We usually don’t hear back until the end of the school year, but that’s not to say that improvements aren’t being made and we won’t see them on campus in the fall,” she said.
Reach Dan Fletcher at [email protected].
