President answers questions about The Commons prices, ASUP consitutional changes and a growing student body
(-- The Beacon)
By Natalie Wheeler Staff Writer wheelern12@up.edu
"Where's the fire?" joked President Fr. Bill Beauchamp, C.S.C., as he sat down, gelato in hand, for his biannual Fireside Chat with students in The Anchor on Tuesday.
Communication studies students tweeted updates during the hour-long fireside chat, which included hot topics such as campus food prices, Capital Improvement Fund changes and a growing student population.
"I was wondering when food was going to come up," Beauchamp said when asked about prices at The Commons.
Beauchamp said he has received many complaints about rising prices and is taking the issue very seriously.
"It's definitely caught my attention," Beauchamp said. "I was very concerned when I saw the last Beacon," a reference to a series of articles and student commentary on Bon Appétit prices in the Oct. 27 edition.
According to Beauchamp, the administration will take action in response to the complaints but has yet to decide what that entails. He said UP has a close relationship with Bon Appétit and does not have any plans to change that right now.
"Certainly, there's enough anecdotal information that's come to me that it's a serious issue," Beauchamp said. "I don't have a solution for you yet, unfortunately."
As for the University's role in campus food costs, Beauchamp said that UP must give approval to Bon Appétit for all meal plan prices, but not for prices on individual items.
He also said the University fee included in all meal plans is necessary for overhead costs such as utilities and maintenance.
ASUP vice-president and senior Chloe' Ruffin brought up the recent Senate approval to allow Capital Improvement Fund to be used for events on-campus in addition to campus improvements. Because it is a constitutional change, the decision must be approved by both the student body and by Beauchamp.
Beauchamp said if the student body approves it, he sees no reason not to pass the resolution as well.
"The decision should be up to the students," Beauchamp said. "If the students decide they want to use the fund for events, that's your money."
One student also asked about the bulging student population, which raised concerns about crammed resources and forced triples.
Beauchamp said the size of last year's freshman class of 890 students was unexpected and, with stricter admissions, this year's freshman class has 833 students. According to Beauchamp, there are no plans to use any RISE campaign funds to increase student population.
"Last year's freshman class was an anomaly," Beauchamp said. "Until that class works its way through it's going to be problematic."
Students also questioned Beauchamp about the anti-discrimination policy at the University, which does not include sexual orientation. Beauchamp said UP does not discriminate against sexual orientation, but did not include the words "sexual orientation" in its policy because, legally, that includes sexual practice.
"As a Catholic university, we don't want to promote those sexual practices," Beauchamp said. "It doesn't matter if it is heterosexual or homosexual."
Senior Dana Barbar was glad Beauchamp addressed the anti-discrimination policy, but felt he did not give a very clear answer.
"I was most intrigued by that question, but I felt like he just brushed it off," Barbar said.
Another topic Beauchamp addressed included the use of hard-copy resources during the library remodel starting in May. According to Beauchamp, students will probably need to request books during this time, rather than having open stacks to peruse in.
"We're still figuring out where everything can go, but it's going to have to be spread more in places like Shiley Hall and The Cove" Beauchamp said. "We're going to have to rely on the libraries from other schools."
Beauchamp said in addition to using of other college libraries, UP will have to make more use of the internet.
"More and more of it will be online, which I think is happening anyway," Beauchamp said.
Turning toward the controversy over the cancellation of the homecoming dance because of drinking issues, Beauchamp said he was "disappointed" there was no homecoming dance, but the decision was up to CPB.
As the session wrapped up, a student posed one last question about what it would take for the University to allow Greek life once again.
"My resignation as president," Beauchamp quipped.
After the chat, junior Andriana Alexis said she was frustrated by the lack of attendance for this semester's Fireside Chat. An estimated 30 people showed up to the event.
"I don't get why people don't show up to these things," Alexis said. "People always complain about stuff on campus and here's our chance to use our voice."
