UA sts 'tangible' goals for new semester

Undergraduate Assembly members are trying to set well-defined, realistic goals for the upcoming year, in hopes of accomplishing something "tangible," according to College sophomore and UA Student Life Committee Chairperson Samara Barend. Four UA committees and two task groups made this their priority during a retreat Sunday. In an example of the UA's new efforts, UA member and Engineering junior Chris Hyzer will form a student group to aid professors in developing World Wide Web pages. But some committees are still focusing on the overarching issues at the University. The Academics Committee, for instance, will concentrate on the 21st Century Project and the Agenda for Excellence -- two of University President Judith Rodin's major projects, according to Chairperson and College sophomore Mark Sagat. The Academics Committee will also evaluate undergraduate advising at the University. Sagat said the committee will compare the advising systems of the different undergraduate schools to determine the best possible system. They also plan to conduct a student survey on the subject. The Facilities Committee will primarily assist Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum and the Residential Advisory Board in evaluating residential facilities, according to Chairperson Noah Bilenker, a College sophomore. According to Bilenker, the Facilities Committee will also work with the Athletics and Recreation departments. He called the Hutchinson Gymnasium weight room "completely inadequate" and said he would like to see a completely new weight room for those who participate in club sports, or do not take part in athletics at all. In addition, Bilenker said his committee will be working with the Performing Arts Council to help performing arts groups get more rehearsal space. The Safety Committee will focus on improving the quantity of streetlights in the area around campus, particularly on Walnut Street between 40th and 41st streets where several sorority houses are located, according to Safety Committee Chairperson and College sophomore Courtney Fine. Fine said the committee will also check all blue light phones to find out where they are and if they work. The Safety Committee also wants to see the security kiosks permanently and officially used as information booths so that the security guards who currently occupy them can patrol the campus instead. According to Barend, the Student Life Committee will conduct an informal survey of students to find out what would improve their experiences at the University, in order to "continue the enthusiasm and unity of freshman year." Their goals include extended library hours, cheaper and more convenient ways for students to print assignments in computer labs, a Dining Services debit card system and the creation of a Lunch Express at Class of 1920 Commons. They also plan to work with Philadelphia historical sites to get student discounts. The committee will also work with administrators and Liquor Control Enforcement to confront underage drinking at the University, in an attempt to stop random LCE visits to campus. A UA task group, headed by College junior Meredith Hertz, the UA's University Council steering representative, will focus on developing the area beyond 40th Street with shops, restaurants and other attractions. The other task force, lead by UA Treasurer and Wharton junior Steve Schorr, hopes to obtain information on the University's budget and continue investigating where general fee dollars are spent.