The GSB administration has changed hands and will now be headed by Jon Turk and Chandra Peterson. I would like to welcome all of the new cabinet members and senators to the blog. Hopefully it will continue to be a good historical depository of GSB information in the future.
Before I head out, I am trying to give GSB a small presence on Twitter. This post will be a test of that plan.
As most know by now, April 3rd was an historic day for Iowa. The Iowa Supreme Court unanimously ruled that civil marriage and the rights under the law, both federal and state, cannot be denied to same-sex couples under the Equal Protection Clause. I believe this is a victory for the many members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community and their allies here at ISU. Our university has been ahead of the curve in treating all of its students, faculty and staff with the dignity and respect they deserve. Last semester, the Dean of Students office hired, for the first time in Iowa State’s history, a coordinator of LGBT Student Services. Under the universities insurance plan, employees can put their partner on their medical plan. These are just a couple of examples of how Iowa State University has strived for diversity and inclusivity for everyone associated with it.
I know that there are people who disagree with this decision of the Supreme Court for one reason or another; however, it is my hope that beneficial dialogue and frank discussion will take place not only here, but across the state. I would also encourage those who may want more information about LGBT issues to talk to our new Coordinator of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Student Services, Brad Freihoefer, located in the student services building. Once again, I want to congratulate the State of Iowa for leading the nation yet again in civil rights.
Executive Announcements
April 1, 2009
Parking Fine Discussion: At the March Board of Regents meeting, the board approved moving forward with the proposal to double illegal parking fines from $15 to $30, with the lone vote against being student Regent Greta Johnson. This measure would need to be eventually approved at the April meeting. Last week, Vice President Luttrell and I discussed this proposal with President Geoffroy and Dr. Hill, and advocated that students are not happy with the idea. As one student has said, “A parking ticket is supposed to be a slap on the wrist, not a punch in the face.” Alternative proposals are currently being explored with the understanding that illegal parking is usually a mistake, not a blatant disregard for rules.
Regents Day at the Capitol: Another reminder that Regents Day at the Capitol will be taking place Monday, April 6 in Des Moines. Leaders making the trip are asked to be at the Capitol by 11:30. This is an important event to remind legislators about student needs and the long-term importance of higher education. Please contact Alyssa Staley at aastaley@iastate.edu if you plan to attend or if you have any questions.
Inauguration: The GSB Inauguration will be held Monday, April 13 with appetizers available at 7 PM and the program starting at 7:15. Our Director and Senator of the Year will be revealed, as well as the winner of the Jack Trice Scholarship. We look forward to seeing you there!
Scholars and Leaders Honors: Congratulations to the GSB leaders who are being awarded scholarships at this weekend’s Scholars and Leaders Ceremony. Alyssa Staley and Jesse Dodds were awarded the David W. and Ellen J. Raisbeck Leadership Scholarship, and Paul Keppy received the Charles F. Frederiksen Leadership Award. You are all highly encouraged to apply for these university scholarships next fall, as you have all proven your leadership abilities through GSB.
Old Glassware: We still have a box of 24 Government of the Student Body Inauguration pint glasses that have not been claimed. If you never received a glass, please stop by my office in the next couple weeks.
Happy April Fools Day: If you have not seen the GSB website today, some important news is now listed on the website regarding the future of the Government of the Student Body. GSB will be making the big step moving in the technological era.
Rideshare Website: I have been working to discuss the design and setup of the future version of GSB’s rideshare project with the web development group of Iowa State’s Information Technology department. Iowa State Chief Information Officer Jim Davis agrees that the use of WebDev is the best design decision for long-term sustainability within an ever-changing student group like GSB. Thank you for supporting this project.
GSB Technology Reclamation: I recently sent a message to student groups looking for any groups interested in acquiring some of GSB’s old unused computers or monitors. I have received a great amount of feedback from this effort and hopefully most of GSB’s old technology equipment will go to good use within student groups while the remainder will be sent to ISU Surplus and be available for sale within their warehouse facilities.
ITS Faces Budget Cuts Like Everyone Else: In talking with personnel in Iowa State’s ITS (Information Technology Services) department I have learned that they will be facing budget cuts equivalent to the budget cuts across the university. While most of these cuts will be handled in the same fashion that they are being handled university-wide, ITS faces the extra challenge of finding money to replace damaged classroom technology equipment (projectors, screens, ELMOs, etc.) and to pay for the upkeep of the university’s wireless internet network. Many students do not realize that current funding sources for both of these services has currently run dry and ITS is searching for other ways to fund these services (see more info below).
Classroom technology devices were initially funded by the Iowa legislature and when this funding ran out, ITS began replacing damaged equipment with ITS office technology equipment if needed.
Iowa State’s central Wi-Fi network (residence halls are supplied by the Dept. of Residence) was initially funded through a CAC (computation advisory committee) grant, but as of next year this network’s funding will run out and CAC will not provide further funding because Wi-Fi is no longer perceived as an innovative new project, but is seen as an infrastructure investment.
Executive Announcements
March 25, 2009
State Revenues: Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference met March 20 to adjust the estimates of tax revenue for FY 2009 and 2010. Current year revenue estimates were adjusted down by 1.9 percent and FY 2010 revenue estimates were adjusted down by another 3.6 percent from December estimates. Previous budget estimates had cuts of more than $30 million to Iowa State, and the new estimates will include cuts of more than $40 million in the University budget before federal stimulus money.
Recreation Project: The Board of Regents approved the Schematic Design of the Recreation Facilities Renovation and Expansion project after a brief discussion of the current economic situation. The project schedule will now continue as planned.
Campustown Meeting: Various city and university leaders met with Campustown stakeholders to discuss their ideas for Campustown improvement. Presented was a large-scale building transformation for the block between Welch and Chamberlain on Lincoln Way. A project of this scope would take many years and millions of dollars. You can see the detailed project description at www.fpm.iastate.edu/planning/campustown_study.pdf.
Ready to Run Workshop: On Friday, April 3 at the Scheman Building, the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics will be putting on “Ready to Run”, a bi-partisan, one-day workshop recruiting and training women to run for all levels of public offices. There will be many national, state, and local speakers at the conference. This workshop typically costs $90, but it will only cost students $25 if registered by March 28. The registration website is www.las.iastate.edu/CattCenter/readytorun.shtml.
Police Ride-Alongs: People who have signed up can report to the north door of the Police Department and ring the buzzer to contact dispatch. An officer will come to let you in and have you sign a liability waiver. The door is located near the corner of 6th and Clark and has ‘Police’ globe lamps outside of it. Please arrive at 9:30.
End-of-Year Event: We are continuing to plan for the year-end event in Campustown. I plan on meeting with Assistant City Manager Sheila Lundt within the next few weeks to discuss and plan the event.
Student Affairs Commission: Due to a lack of attendance and new issues, the Student Affairs Commission will begin meeting solely on an as-needed basis. If there are any city issues that affect your constituents that you think need the attention of the Commission, please let me know and we can schedule a meeting.
Property Maintenance Code Update: The City is in the process of updating its property maintenance code, and these changes have the potential to affect students. There have already been multiple public forums for discussion, and on March 30th, City Council will be meeting to hear the results of those discussions, as well as to make decisions regarding the future of the property maintenance code.
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