IUSA platforms advance, solidify during summer

The Big Ten administration of the IU Student Association campaigned on six platforms, or initiatives, in the spring. Here’s a summary of how each of the goals is shaping up.

BASKETBALL STUDENT SECTION

Proposal
The new method of seating would create a student section that would allow students who arrive early to secure better seats.

Progress
After meetings this summer with a variety of officials, including IU Athletics Director Fred Glass, IUSA President Justin Kingsolver said the plan is currently on hold due to concerns about angering alumni and season ticket holders.

Kingsolver said he does not share these concerns and is pushing ahead with a season ticket holders’ survey and requests for alumni support. IUSA plans to reintroduce the idea in November or December.

SRSC SUSTAINABILITY

Proposal
The Big Ten ticket pledged to make the Student Recreational Sports Center more sustainable.

Progress
As part of the plan, three or four stationary bicycles will be installed in the lobby of the building during fall cycling week in October.

These bicycles will convert exercisers’ workouts into electrical power for the gym. With an estimated cost of about $1,000 per bike, the project is getting started.

Approximately $10,000 will go toward the project if the trial period is successful.

MEDICAL AMNESTY

Proposal
Through lobbying the state legislature, medical amnesty would prevent student deaths by granting safe passage to hospitals for students who have consumed too much alcohol or drugs, Kingsolver said.

Progress
IUSA has secured the support of key, unnamed state legislators who will help lobby for the issue in the statehouse. Also lending their support are Dean of Students Harold ‘Pete’ Goldsmith and Assistant Dean of Students Steve Veldkamp.

Kingsolver and other IUSA members will meet with IU officials next week to solidify language in the plan’s policy, most of which was written during the summer. Kingsolver noted the plan is “almost there.”

APP FOR CAMPUS MAPPING

Proposal
The app would help students easily navigate campus with the addition of shortcuts and walking paths not available on other smartphone maps.

Progress

The developer of the app has changed since the spring. University Information Technology Services expressed interest in developing an app during the summer at no cost, instead of the old plan of seeking an outside, paid developer.

IUSA now awaits word from UITS by Oct. 1.

REFORMING THE IUSA BUDGET

Proposal
Kingsolver promised to cut the IUSA budget, including executive salaries.

Progress
The reformed budget of $91,400, passed in April 2011, is currently on track with IUSA having spent less than expected, Kingsolver said.

TAX-FREE TEXTBOOKS

Proposal
The plan would create a once-per-year, 48-hour state-tax free period on textbooks purchased from a textbook store in the state of Indiana, saving IUB students millions each year.

Progress
IUSA is still developing a proposal to be sent to the Statehouse and will be ready by December.

FRESHMAN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Proposal
The Freshman Internship Program was implemented this school year in order to be for freshmen involved in their student government from the start of the year, Kingsolver said.

Progress
IUSA has already received 49 applications from potential freshman interns. Executive branch members attended all sessions of orientation during the summer and spoke to incoming freshmen about IUSA and the internship program.

As of now, Kingsolver estimated that about 35 applicants will be accepted in order to ensure proper mentoring.

SUMMER CAMPUS ISSUES

Lauren Spierer Disappearance
IUSA was one of the groups on campus that helped lead and organize search parties for the missing IU sophomore. The organization also donated $5,000 to the Hillel Center fund for the search.

“I would echo what the parents say, that someone knows something,” Kingsolver said. “Give the parents some closure, or help them find their daughter.”

President Michael McRobbie’s Raise
In the midst of a 5.5 percent in-state tuition increase this academic year, University President Michael McRobbie received a 12 percent pay raise during the summer.
Kingsolver noted.

McRobbie’s many achievements since his arrival at IU — increased enrollment and research funds in the face of a poor economy — remarking that the school is in much better shape than it was before his tenure. The timing, however, was off, he said.

“I’m very angry,” Kingsolver said. “(He’s) really a good leader, but I think it was politically unwise.”