Senate to pitch student center plan to Trustees

by Laura M. Schneider
Senior Campus Writer

Ohio University students and officials will present plans for a possible new student center at the OU Board of Trustees meeting Sept. 28.

The group will discuss the need for a new student center and effort students have made to raise funds and work with architects. Group members also plan to discuss how OU can fund the project, said Jim Hintz, student senate president.

A group of four OU students, including Hintz and administrators Mike Sostarich, OU vice president of student affairs; Rich Carpinelli, OU assistant vice president for student affairs; and Dick Siemer, OU vice president for finance and treasurer, will make the presentation.

The board members will not vote on the issue at the upcoming meeting, Hintz said. But the next step in the possible student center plan requires the trustees' approval.

"Once they approve it they can move forward with this," Hintz said after yesterday's senate meeting.

Also last night, senators discussed the kickoff of the student portion of the OU Bicentennial Campaign, the university's goal to raise $200 million by 2004.

The event, which will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday on the fields near South Green, is organized by the Student Campaign Advancement Committee.

"Obviously Baker (University Center) is grossly unable to meet the needs of students," said Alissa Galford, senate's chief communications officer. "This is a way to get students involved in the fundraising process ... It is important to give back to your college."

Shawn Temper, minority affairs commissioner, discussed plans to make Ping Recreation Center more accessible to disabled students. Temper said he would like to organize a wheelchair basketball league or a day at Ping dedicated to disabled students.