By Chloe' Ruffin & Zack Imfeld
Fountains. Swing sets. Gazebos. Hot tubs.
In past years, these were Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) ideas. After going through six CIF cycles, we have seen it all.
The CIF was an idea created by ASUP in the spring of 2005. It calls the ASUP Treasurer to reserve 10 percent of the total ASUP budget for the CIF to provide physical improvements to the UP campus. The Major Project Fund (MPF) resolution looks to give students the flexibility to not only give our campus a physical improvement, but also improve every Pilot's experience on The Bluff.
During Tuesday's Fireside Chat, UP President Fr. Beauchamp was quoted saying that he hopes that the fund will be used to improve student life on The Bluff. Students can do so, if we vote 'yes' during the special election!
This idea does not immediately move the CIF into a fund for CPB. Instead it gives the ASUP Senate and Executive Board the option to improve student life on The Bluff in a different way. Some Pilots really enjoy tangible things like laptops, shoes or X-Boxes. But others enjoy concerts, comedians or amusement parks.
The CIF as it stands eliminates the possibility for Pilots who love experiences to benefit.
Some might disagree with the Senate's decision to pass this resolution by stating that allowing the CIF monies to go to an event because it is not a lasting change, but who is to say that an amazing concert, event or speaker would not do the same thing?
When we are old and gray, the chances of us remembering the rubber bricks by the Pilot House or the TV's in Howard Hall are minimal, but the chances of us remembering Dance of the Decades, Michael Polan or a major event on campus is much higher.
Some Pilots might also make the argument that by changing the CIF to a MPF that it will not affect them, but the CIF projects from the previous two semesters are still in progress, the CIF as it is right now will directly affect Pilots today anyway.
When speaking to alumni, many of their favorite memories include amazing events on campus that UP hosted such as the Harlem Gospel Choir or Good Charlotte performing. Look at the buzz surrounding the charity basketball game with LaMarcus Aldridge from the Blazers!
We want big things, we want big names and we want memories.
So the ASUP Executive Board urges you to vote 'yes' for the MPF because it simply gives Senators more leverage to be able to do their job better for YOU.
