By Susannah Waite, Editor-in-Chief
Administrators have created a proposal to solve some of the space allocation issues on campus.
The issues stemmed from the University Special Events Policy, which was created in 2009, but more strictly enforced since July 2012, according to Student Publications’ archives.
A committee of faculty, staff and administrators formed in response to concerns various constituents had in relation to use of space on campus.
“The issues came to a head in November,” said Craig Knutson, chief of staff and committee member.
“Housekeeping, facilities, AV, and security, are all declining, but the amount of events had been increasing,” Knutson said. “There was a supply and demand imbalance.”
The number of events and meetings on campus has increased more than 200 percent during the past three years, he said.
“A lot of students think there are fees, nobody ever said organizations had to pay for space,” Knutson said. “There are very few restrictions, unless the room is already occupied.”
The only issue that still remains is access to Meinders School of Business.
“We are trying to satisfy the students and not break any contractual agreement with Meinders,” he said.
A written agreement between trustee Herman Meinders and OCU, signed by former President Tom McDaniel, allows for use of the school’s facilities only for business school activities.
To ensure that students receive the most benefits of the space agreement, a committee has created a complete database, including all rooms on campus, excluding Meinders School of Business.
“The room or facility may not be their first choice, but it will meet the needs of their event,” Knutson said.
Some students still are unsatisfied with the business school’s restrictions.
“We understand different buildings and different rooms have similar purposes and taking in fact business organizations come first, classes come first, however if there are openings in Meinders, we want access,” said Rhameil Sampson, entertainment business junior and director of organizational outreach for Student Government Association.
Sampson said he believes faculty, staff, professors, and administrator’s work to support students, but said he does not see that from Meinders School of Business.
“By not allowing events in their facility, it calls into question how committed they are to the betterment of students,” Sampson said.
Student Senate passed a resolution for the space allocation policy last semester, addressing student concerns about business school access.
“We’ve been collaborating for future efforts, but nothing is set in stone yet,” Sampson said.
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