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Letter: USG's space should be open to all

VP of Student Affairs says that the renovation of USG's lounge will benefit students, not them.

VP of Student Affairs, USG

Published: Monday, March 1, 2010

Updated: Monday, March 15, 2010 12:03

The world-class faculty at Baruch attracts many to our institution, but inadequate and underutilized facilities can send students packing.

The current Undergraduate Student Government campaigned last year on a platform of "countering commuter culture." It has succeeded in many ways: Welcome Week, the Freshman Trip to Philadelphia, Thursday Nights at Baruch, the allocation of an additional $70,000 towards funding for clubs and organizations, and the implementation of a welcoming open-door policy at the USG suite for all Baruch students.

Previous USG officials have pursued renovations of the club area, TV room, and game room on campus, efforts that have failed to materialize due to budgetary constraints and bureaucratic gridlock.

This year, we will circumvent these obstacles. USG has pledged to expand their open-door policy and incorporate Room 3-275 into an official student lounge. All of Baruch's hardworking students deserve more space to relax, study, or simply convene with friends.

As an elected member of the USG, access to Room 3-275 is one of the fringe benefits of holding a position; however, this space is public and should be accessible to all students.
Unfortunately, this student space is relatively unknown and is a well-kept secret by those who use it. USG strongly believes that it should not be exclusive to this small segment of the Baruch community.

Ben Guttmann's statements in the Feb. 16 issue of The Ticker were a misrepresentation of the USG. He falsely accused USG of earmarking $20,000 to renovate the space for their sole benefit. This is simply not true.

The USG plans to allocate up to $30,000 as a capital improvement investment that will provide an additional 1,000 square feet in student lounge space and enhance student utility on campus. Every student at Baruch College is entitled to this space and USG will deliver it to them.

Sincerely,
Ryan Wiley
VP of Student Affairs, USG

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6 comments

Ryan Wiley, VP of Campus Affairs
Sun Mar 7 2010 14:17
On Thursday March 4, USG hosted a student outreach event on the second floor. There we presented the renderings of the renovation and had the budget proposal available for students to see. Of all the students we spoke to, each and everyone thought it was a great idea. They were excited to see an effort by USG to open up pockets of underutilized space on campus for the benefit of student body. When students asked where the money was coming from we proudly told them that their student activity fees will be funding the project. Again, not one student voiced dissent. The only objection we had was in regard to the fabric color for the furniture, so we suggested that that student should meet with the Campus Affairs committee and play a more active role in the selection process--she respectively declined.

To those who express fervent opposition to this proposal and believe it is "the worst idea ever" should not be afraid to post comments under their real name. I welcome any objections that may arise and will work with anyone who is willing to work with me.

Anonymous
Fri Mar 5 2010 20:29
Worst idea I've ever heard. The money is coming out of the students. Talk about trying to squeeze blood from a stone...
Anonymous
Wed Mar 3 2010 11:46
1, This money is not coming out of the club budgets. If this money is not used, it would just sit there. You might as well invest it back into student space.

2, The renovations will not be complete until the end of the semester. Do you honestly believe the graduating members of USG approved this for their own benefit?

This is a good idea. As a senior, I remember how Baruch was like 4 years ago. The VC was 14 floors of white walls, there was not as much artwork, and there was little student space. This college will not develop as an institution unless we continue to invest in the college and in student space. We all need to learn, study, and sometimes nap in this building in our 4 years here. Some of us practically live here. Invest in the school and invest in the future.

Whatever!
Tue Mar 2 2010 08:28
WTF!!! I don't have money to pay for tuition. I have to work to go to school and you are spending $30,000 on a space that we don't even use. This is propaganda for your campaign. You haven't done it yet and you never will.
Anonymous
Mon Mar 1 2010 19:06
$30,000 isn't adding square feet of student space. You were the ones who closed the space to being with. It's spending $30,000 on a new couch in the USG office and saying that anyone can sit on it. Total bulls@#$ to hear this after club appeals have been closed due to the USG's irresponsible spending of our money. F@$# this
Anonymous
Mon Mar 1 2010 13:27
You're right that Guttmann's statement was false, he underestimated how much money you guys are spending on yourselves by $10,000. You guys have to have some balls to spend that much money to remodel your office in this recession, and then go around saying you are doing it for the good of the school.

You want new furniture. That's all there is to it. Stop feeding all of us this BS.







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