By The Beacon Editorial Board
The Earth Tub Composting System is one of the proposed Capital Improvement Fund items. It's a good idea that would likely cut down on Bon Appétit costs. That said, the cost of this project is one that Bon Appétit should be bear, not students. The attempt is a noble effort to increase campus sustainability and in that that regard, we applaud it. All the same, ASUP shouldn't be expected to solely foot the bill for something supported by a number of entities on campus.
Turning to a more student-focused item, the barbecue patio is an encouraging sign that ASUP takes seriously its goal to build student community. However, we are suspicious of the feasibility of this particular project. While we agree that more campus barbecues are always a good thing, the potential benefits are outweighed by the probable eyesore it would create if it proves unpopular.
A more practical improvement looks to be the proposed library upgrades. Including charging outlets for laptops is a simple, immediate and relatively cheap improvement; plain and simple. Seeing as that the necessary funding for a new library is still years away, the addition helps bridge the time gap until more expansive changes arrive.
As always, the proposed addition of more bike racks is a sound improvement that's proved to be wildly popular with students. But even with so much demand, ASUP should first research where the need is greatest. A little surveying never hurt anyone.
The installation of laundry money systems for each dorm presents another practical upgrade that benefits the majority of students. Given that the existing machines are few and temperamental, an upgrade is definitely in order.
The digital sign advertisement system is a novel idea that may look good on paper, but would likely falter in implementation. Regardless of where the few screens are located, they will never inform more than the ubiquitous paper flyers and posters currently in use. And given that the handful of screens are designed to replace the paper system, they would have to outperform their predecessors. We doubt they're up to the task.
The removal of a major source of paper usage is a step in the green direction, but in this case sustainability must take a backseat to efficiency and practicality. Unless there is some statistic that contradicts these intuitions, the digital ads are not the most effective use of ASUP funds.
Similar to the composting system, the proposed installation of new water stations is another move towards sustainability that students should not have to shoulder. The upcoming fountain upgrades by Physical Plant effectively take care of this need. Additional stations would only be redundant.
Adding student artwork to the interior of Shiley Hall and the outdoor area is a fresh idea that we hope to see come to fruition. Although the idea seems more befitting of a senior gift, the artwork is a nice idea. Granted, the purchasing of a non-student-made statue seems overly extravagant. Overall, rewarding talent by purchasing student artwork is a wise investment.
As ASUP leaders go about weighing the pros and cons of each, they will invariably come to their own conclusions. We wish them the best in spending students' money wisely.
