No repairs planned for Hutch

University officials said yesterday that no definite plans are in the works to fix the deteriorating conditions of the free weight room in Hutchinson Gymnasium. University President Judith Rodin said yesterday she had not known about the problems with the free weight room before this week. She said she first learned of the weight room's lack of air circulation and collapsing floor by reading about them in Tuesday's Daily Pennsylvanian. But Recreation Department Director Robert Glascott said last week that Rodin's office as well as other administrators are aware of the weight room's current condition. "The president's office is aware of [the current condition], the provost's office is aware of it, Steve Bilsky is aware of it, Art Gravina is aware of it, and Valerie Swain-Cade McCoullum, the acting vice provost for University Life, is aware of it. But it has to be kept in front of them," Glascott said last week. Rodin, however, denied any knowledge of the workout room's condition last night. "Maybe they informed another president," Rodin said last night. "This president was never notified." For the past few weeks students have been complaining about the lack of air circulation, lack of equipment and about the dirt and exposed pipes in the workout room. Rodin said she has not spoken to the Athletic Department and has not "looked into it" herself. But she said she asked to be briefed on the situation as soon as Athletic Director Steve Bilsky returns from a convention in Boston. Associate Vice Provost of University Life Larry Moneta said he is aware of the conditions in Hutch Gym. He added he does not know of any plans to improve the facility, despite his frequent use of the work out equipment. "I have not heard a word," he said. "From talking with [administrators] as friends and colleagues, I know they are deeply committed to finding solutions." About two weeks ago students frequenting the Hutch weight room began circulating a petition protesting the conditions of the weight room. More than 750 people signed the document in nine days. The petition will soon be forwarded to Rodin and Bilsky. The petition complains about the relocation of Hutch's free weight equipment to a hallway adjacent to their former basement location. According to Physical Plant Director Art Gravina, the original room's floor was not adequately reinforced for the weight of the equipment. As a result, the floor in the old room began to collapse, and the free-weight gym had to be moved. Glascott said neither the Physical Plant nor the Recreation Departments has the $100,000 to $180,000 it will take to repair the floor.