University Life Council
Minutes of Meeting
March 19, 2007
LC 31J
Present:
Jean-Francois Briere, Nicholas Fahrenkopf, Michael Christakis, Brenda
Seckerson, Bill Reese, John Murphy, Gene Bunnell, Bob Yagelski, and Joan
Savitt (Chair)
Guest:
Dr. Lee McElroy, Vice President for Athletic Administration
Meeting commenced at 3:00 p.m.
Chair’s Report
Minutes from March 1, 2007, meeting were approved with minor changes. Dan Smith sends
regrets for not being able to attend today’s meeting.
Chair Savitt provided an update regarding the Task Force on Sexual Assault, which held its first
open forum on March 19th. The next open forum will be on March 26th at 7:30 p.m. in Campus
Center Room 375.
On Tuesday, March 27th at 7 p.m. a “Campus Conversation” will be held on the formation of a
University Honor Code.
March 26th is the deadline for interested members to renew their membership on the various
Senate Councils.
Chair Savitt received some concerns from Maria Chau, president of the Graduate Student
Organization, regarding off-campus housing issues and as such Chair Savitt invited Tom
Gebhardt, Director of Personal Safety & Off-Campus Affairs to the ULC’s next meeting on
March 29th.
Chair Savitt introduced Dr. Lee McElroy, Vice President for Athletic Administration, to speak
about recreational issues and space.
Recreational Space
Dr. McElroy thanked the Council for inviting him to speak about the recreational facilities and
the Athletics’ master plan. He knows that students want and ask for good recreational facilities
and emphasized the importance of undergraduate fulfillment. He supported the draft resolution
that the ULC has been working on to recommend the creation and/or upgrading of recreational
facility space.
Dr. McElroy provided information regarding the master plan for Athletics. Over the past years,
Athletics has devoted more than $500k towards adding personnel and upgrading equipment.
Although some newly added areas are not available for recreational use (such as the lacrosse
facilities), the field hockey venue, bubble and other areas are available and Athletics continues to
work to scheduling and adding more spaces.
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A new football stadium, built through both public and private funding, would be a multi-purpose
unit and include recreational space and rooms for academic use and could generate revenue
through special events (i.e. concerts). The stadium will seat approximately 10,000-14,000
people, depending on the environmental impact which is to be determined. ULC members
inquired about the possible site for the stadium and Dr. McElroy stated that a variety of locations
were being considered.
Members suggested inviting John Giarrusso, Assistant Vice President for Physical Facilities, to
speak about the University’s master plan.
Dr. McElroy addressed concerns that there were not enough open hours for general use of the
facilities for students, faculty and staff. He explained that during “high peak” usage times, 12:003:00 p.m., it can be difficult to find open equipment and space. To offset this issue, Athletics
opens up the facilities early and closes later and the division has recorded an increase in
participation by about 400 percent.
ULC members discussed how the council could be most helpful with Dr. McElroy’s plans for
Athletics. He felt that the creation of the Intramural Coordinator position was a positive move
and hoped the ULC would continue to make recreational space needs a priority. Members
discussed the possibility of separating the resolution into two separate statements, one on
recreational upgrades and another on the stadium concerns, but the consensus was that it made
sense to keep it as one resolution.
Brenda Seckerson, Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, commented that she had taken a
recent tour of the facilities shortly after starting her position as the EAP Coordinator and
suggested that the new multi-purpose stadium include spaces for popular classes such as Pilates
and yoga. Nicholas Fahrenkopf inquired about the academic spaces within the center, which Dr.
McElroy explained would encompass a larger classroom with study tables and computers.
John Murphy acknowledged the overall good behavior of the University’s student-athletes and
credited the positive influence that Dr. McElroy and his department has had on these students.
Dr. McElroy asked Brenda Seckerson what her opinions were regarding the facilities, given the
recent tour she had taken, and she stated that the spaces were in need of upgrades.
Michael Christakis asked if there was a completion date set for the stadium and Dr. McElroy said
that it was about two years away.
Gene Bunnell asked if a recreation center might encourage private donations as it seemed that
this facility would be something that donors would like to have their name associated with. Dr.
McElroy explained that many private donors seem to exhibit emotional ties, as opposed to social
connections, when they donate to an institution.
Members discussed the importance of identifying what students want to do and then build the
facility to meet those needs.
Dr. McElroy and the Council thanked each other for their time.
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Members discussed next steps to take in regards to the resolution and reviewed the current draft
created by Chair Savitt. It was again suggested that John Giarrusso be invited to the next
meeting.
J. Murphy felt it was important to present a resolution consistent with the ULC’s mission and G.
Bunnell suggested edits to the wording of the draft. Members agreed on all points and also
suggested rewording the draft to reflect the priority of recreational space as an overall necessity
for the campus. It was also recommended that the resolution be separated into sections, as
appropriate, to make it easier to follow and understand.
Chair Savitt will confirm some questions regarding the University’s master plan with Mr.
Giarrusso and work on another version of the resolution and share via email with the
membership.
Next meeting is March 29, 2007 at 3:00 in the Terrace Lounge.
Meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy Lauricella, Recording Secretary
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