James Bonsall, Student Government Association president, held the State of the Student Body address in The Commons on Nov. 5.
The SGA president is required to give an address twice a year. During the address, Bonsall spoke about current campus issues including the smoking ban, the new recycling program on campus and the Food Court renovation project beginning in the summer of 2010.
Bonsall said the SGA has been trying to accommodate smokers on campus.
“If smokers had a place where they could smoke at least 30 feet away from buildings and walking paths, then nonsmokers would never have to walk through smokers’ smoke,” Bonsall said.
The SGA has been working with the All University Student Association, which is comprised of the student body presidents from every IU campus. Bonsall said they have been working to petition IU President Michael McRobbie to allow campuses to set their own smoking policies.
In his speech, Bonsall also spoke about the new recycling program on campus.
“Our campus has one of the best recycling programs of any university in the state of Indiana,” Bonsall said.
The recycling program, Single Stream Recycling, puts all recyclables in one container and is sent to QRS Recycling, a New Albany recycling facility.
Bonsall commended Tom Moore, assistant director of Physical Plant, and Jon Smith, Recycling Coordinator, for their efforts and work in bringing the recycling program to campus.
Bonsall also discussed the improvements of Dining and Conference Services during the past year.
“With the new pizza program during lunch, it is possible to get pretty full for just a couple of bucks,” Bonsall said.
Bonsall highlighted the Food Court renovations that are to begin in summer 2010.
The renovations are in response to complaints and concerns of the area not being big enough to offer a diverse selection in food, or to have the capacity for larger crowds during the lunch rush.
“I have seen some initial designs, and I think everybody will be very pleased with what the campus is looking at doing,” Bonsall said.
Bonsall also discussed the plans for a new $23 million Purdue College of Technology and IU Southeast School of Education building on campus.
“Currently though, with the state budget situation not looking too optimistic, the actual construction will probably be delayed a year or two,” Bonsall said, “but design work is currently underway.”
Reactions about the address and the campus issues such as the smoking ban and the Food Court renovations were mixed.
“Students won’t quit smoking if you just say ‘no smoking,’” Johann Pedolzky, SGA senator, said. “Rather, education about the effects of smoking would be useful.”
Pedolzky said the smoking ban policy is too vague in defining what products should be banned from being smoked on campus.
Many students saw the designated smoking area as a balance between the ban and those requesting a compromise.
“I agree with the smoking policy, but it’s only fair to have an area for smokers,” Megan Whyte, biology sophomore, said. “I think a designated area is
reasonable.”
Whyte, who works for the Dining and Conference Services on campus, said she was excited about the impending renovations for the Food Court.
“There is always a huge line for food,” Whyte said. “Working in the back is not a problem, but the outside area is too small.”
Jacob Brackett, general studies sophomore, said the Food Court seemed to be a sufficient area as is.
“I come twice a week and it’s great,” Brackett said. “There is never a line when I eat here.”
Pedolzky said an improvement was necessary, but the plans in store for the Food Court renovation did not seem customized for IU Southeast’s needs.
“I don’t know if you can model from Bloomington and apply it to IUS, which is what I think is going on,” Pedolzky said.
Bonsall encouraged students to come to the SGA meetings, as well as visit the SGA Web site at ius.dailyjolt.com to receive information and leave comments about campus issues.
By JESSICA MEYER
Staff Writer
jessmeye@ius.edu