Ritchie-Ernst 2007

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• New Recreational Facilities – UNC Charlotte must prepare for the future by beginning plans for a new recreational facility now; current recreational facilities are not adequate for a university of 21,519 and especially not for a university of nearly 26,000 in less than four years. We will push for the construction of a new recreational center as Student Body President and Vice President. First, we will work with the current Recreational Facilities to find short term solutions to overcrowding. Second, we will collaborate between the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs’ office and Recreational Services to reduce the impact that a new Rec Center would have on student fees to a negligible amount. Finally, we will work with the Chancellor and Facilities Management to secure land and ensure that Recreational Facilities are a top priority for our campus.

• Greek Village – The move to the Greek Village will not be a smooth transition. As residents begin to settle multiple problems will develop. Problems such as internet outages, laundry machine failures, and the lack of a shuttle route that is conveniently located. We will work with Parking Services to adjust shuttle routes as needed and we will hold Housing and Information Technology Services accountable for every issue that is encountered.

• Parking – As the new parking deck is completed, all of the spots located directly adjacent to the parking deck will be lost due to Student Union construction. On April 18th, the Student Union will begin construction and there will only be a net gain of 50 parking spots due to the new parking deck. The importance of convenient and affordable parking must by continually emphasized to Parking Services. By adding more shuttle routes and employing a tiered system of parking pass costs we can provide options for parking at every price level and for every student.

• Campus Safety – Campus safety can improve by adding more police officers, providing foot-patrols at night, increasing the funding allocated to the campus police department, and strengthening relations with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. The annual campus safety walk will continue under our administration to identify unsafe areas on campus while making campus safety a conscious issue to the student body. We will re-evaluate the campus safety data that was gathered during our time in the student senate.

• Improved Campus Food Service – We will work with Chartwells and Business Affairs to re-tool hours so that students can eat where they want, when they want. Name-brand choices for campus food must become a reality now, and in the upcoming student union.

• Football – We will stress the importance of football to the campus administration by emphasizing the ability that football has to transform student life on campus. Carrying out a successful football poll was just the first step. Now we will continue to gather research from peer institutions with football while encouraging collaboration between the Athletic Department and the Chancellor’s Office on the issue.
  

• Improved Advising – By establishing an advising web-site students will have a centralized location for advising information. Through the development of a uniform advising sheet for all majors we can help the academic advising process run smoother. Stressing the importance of a multi-disciplinary centralized advising center will be a major component as we strive to improve advising. Online methods for advising appointments and advising meetings must be considered by the administration.

• Niner Nation – By meeting one-on-one with local managers and presenting them with the facts about Charlotte 49er merchandise we can bring more 49er pride to the campus and the community. We will work with University Attorneys and the Niner Nation committee to brand Niner Nation. Branding Niner Nation as the identity of the Charlotte 49er Student Body is critical to school spirit and the pride that students will have in their education after they graduate.

• Light-Rail on Campus - The light rail system will become an integral part of UNC Charlotte’s campus, and will distinguish us from other universities. First, we will work with CATS Light-Rail Project Managers to ensure that 49er Cards can be used to buy credit to ride the system, and we will develop the framework needed to ensure that students receive a discount on light-rail fees. Second, we will bring the Architecture Department and CATS together to ensure that an on-campus station is designed by students. Lastly, we will bring as much 49er Pride to the on-campus station as possible by decorating it with green and gold.

• 24 Hour Library Access – 24 hour access to the bottom floor of the library is imperative to student success. Without library staff and only security present, students will finally get the late-night study area they need. We will consult with Business Affairs to seek methods of outside funding to allow the library to be open when students want it to be open.

• Textbook Affordability – As textbook costs continue to climb alternatives must be considered. We will work to implement the President of the UNC System’s plan to provide textbook rental options, specifically for introductory courses. By collaborating with the Campus Bookstore management we can develop the ability for students to have a choice when preparing to spend their money on textbooks. We will continue the efforts of previous administrations on textbook adoption policies, which have resulted in over 98% of textbook adoptions being available on time.

• Class Availability – The problem of class availability must be communicated to the administration. Mismanagement of current classrooms can not continue and we will hold the Academic Affairs Administration accountable. We have paid for all of these nice and new buildings, let’s use them.