Dean shares root beer 'keg' with students

"Bears or Colts?" a person in the audience asks IU Dean of Students Dick McKaig.\nWith a chuckle McKaig says, "I cheer for the Colts."\nA couple of "yeahs" and nods of approval ring from the crowd from the Wright Quad Formal Lounge on Thursday evening as McKaig sat in front of an audience of about 15 people for the annual event "A Keg With Dean McKaig."\nMcKaig brought his own personalized root-beer mug with his name engraved, cleaned out just for the event. \nThe event, sponsored by Wright Student Government along with help from resident advisers and senior Todd Hewell, aims to offer an opportunity to sit down with the dean and ask him questions about student life. It also gives McKaig an opportunity to meet residents.\n"I came because I love root beer," freshman Alex Jorck said. \nMcKaig entertained questions ranging from whether classes will be canceled the Monday after the Super Bowl -- he said not likely -- to outsourcing, future changes to residence halls, and even whether he considers running for IU president.\nMcKaig said he will not apply for the presidency, saying the job would not allow him as much as he currently does to interact with students -- something he loves.\n"It was really informative -- he covered everything really well," said freshman Nichole Byrer. "It was really good."\nAs for outsourcing, McKaig said he wants to be sure the change would bring improvement. \n"I am interested if the results are significant savings for the University," McKaig said. "I want proof that it will be better; otherwise I don't want to mess with it if it is not better." \nMcKaig also discussed future renovations to University residence halls. Some of the changes will start next fall, when bathrooms in Teter Quad will be remodeled to accommodate a more private environment. \nIn the past, McKaig stayed overnight in some dorms participating in floor activities for the evening. He sdaid he doesn't have a favorite but that each hall offers a different atmosphere. \nSeveral other topics were discussed, from theater -- before graduation, everyone should see an opera, McKaig said -- to diversity.\n"We talk about diversity as a window -- it's here but no one does things outside," he said. "I'd love for American students to attend coffee hours at the International Center and interact for richer academic experiences."\nFor IU to gain more minority students on campus for diverse experiences, McKaig said programs such as the Hudson & Holland and Groups programs are useful in letting students know of the opportunities that await them. \n"We hope to double minority status by 2013, I think it is," McKaig said. "We are trying to encourage students during the pre-college stage to get students ready and eligible for IU."\nMcKaig said he wishes costs for education would be cheaper. At one time, he said, it was believed that education would benefit society rather than benefiting those who can only afford it.\nOne of the toughest roles McKaig said he must fill as part of his job is after the death of a student. He usually calls the parents to speak with them and even goes to funerals and sits in the hospitals with students who are severely injured and might die.\n"It is an important function to perform, but it is really heartbreaking," he said.\nMcKaig told students that he would love a visit from anyone, as his office in Bryan Hall does not have a high student population.\nAfter speaking, McKaig raised his root-beer glass. "Let's go tap the keg!" he said. And shouts followed: "The dean's first!"\nAlex Jorck, a current resident of Wright Quad who originally attended the program for free root beer, said he plans to come again next year.\n"I had no idea who Dean McKaig was," he said. "He seems to care about the students, and in the future I plan to go visit him in his office, because he is a cool guy"