Residential Students Require 24 Hour Campus
The Washburn University Student Government Association is attempting to wake up the WU administration to the fact that residential students require 24 hour services. Students want 24 hour library access during finals week. Students also want an on-campus coffee shop.
Lack of Planning
When the administration decided to change the campus demographics from a student body of part-time commuter students to full-time on-campus residential students, inadequate provisions were made for the far reaching impact this would have on all university services.
Unallocated Resources
Administrative departments begged for more resources related to security, computer, food, health, and library services. Too little of the necessary resources have been provided. Although faculty has been added in selected areas to respond to a larger student body, there are still too many unmet academic needs.
It's Not A "Budget" Issue
In the meantime, the administration has found the resources to build a $100,000 water feature on the NE corner of campus and a $2.0 million renovation for the offices of the Washburn Endowment Association.
Administrative Priorities
During the first six months of 2006, Washburn University spent over $500,000 on marketing services to attract students to campus. Rather than investing in an area for students to gather for 24 hour study, relaxation, and socialization, Washburn University spent $18,000 to renovate the bathroom and $56,000 to build a patio at President Farley's residence.
It's Possible
Both K-State & KU have figured out how to keep their library facilities open 24 hours during the week to promote student studies. Washburn University students deserve no less consideration from this administration.
Try Harder
If Washburn University wants to promote student life on campus, it should be possible to find a good cup of coffee on campus. If this Washburn University administration wants to retain the students that they invested so much in attracting, they would be wise to pay serious attention to what the students are requesting.
The resources are there; it's just a matter of priorities.