Success at last. “The Libraries has begun an evening shuttle service for patrons leaving D.H. Hill Library. A six-passenger electric cart will pick up and drop off riders at the Hillsborough Street Wolfline stop, circle the perimeter of the building, and make another stop at the Patterson Hall parking lot during late hours each evening. The new service is a result of a joint effort by the Libraries and Student Government and is a reflection of the University’s commitment to student safety.”
Well done to all involved. I felt somewhat vindicated when I read this story in the Bulletin, NCSU’s faculty and staff newspaper. When I unsuccessfully ran for student body president a few years ago, I was chastised by my beloved Technician for a rather absurd notion — “golf cart rides to and from the library.”
By the way, the Bulletin I am talking about was printed in full color. Can we say a waste of state appropriations? Usually public documents like the Bulletin have a statement about the costs associated with printing the piece. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it. Perhaps N.C. State News Services, which publishes the newspaper, could let us know how much was spent on such a lavish publication.
Sorry for digressing. I can’t resist because administrators clamor all the time about dwindling state resources, yet they waste money in every conceivable place. Maybe if they didn’t waste so much money they wouldn’t have to make up excuses to raise our tuition.
We should be so lucky if some of the University’s administrators would resign or retire. According to the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, the median salary of university administrators increased by 4 percent over last year’s numbers. That’s a rate higher than inflation. Unfortunately, this disturbing trend is in its 10th year.
Speaking of waste — it’s manure season on campus. Every year the hard working men and women of the University’s facilities division spread the “stuff” all over campus like peanut butter. It’s just that peanut butter smells and, I hope, tastes better.
I had an opportunity to wonder around campus the other day. You know, one of those beautiful spring days, temperatures in the mid-60s, where the student body sheds its worn winter rags to reveal a little more body. I have been here for a relatively long time, and I can say without a doubt that campus has never looked better, even despite our penchant for agricultural byproducts.
The campus actually looks incredible. The new courtyards, green areas and plazas are attractive to the eye. I’m not sure I would have spent money on redesigning the courtyard between Talley Student Center and the NCSU Bookstores. That whole complex needs to be torn down and redone. Both facilities are terribly inefficient and unfriendly to students and their needs.
On my walk, it was also nice to see a hawk in a tree outside of Williams Hall devouring a much smaller bird. Feathers were falling like snow flakes. The falling remnants were so thick that a passing skateboarder bit the dust. Heads up to the University lawyers: you might want to get that patchwork of brick fixed — it’s a tad bit uneven. We don’t need an unnecessary lawsuit on our hands.
I am so excited about spring break — I need some time off. The only thing that doesn’t make sense about spring break is that the University holds Founders’ Day activities while the student body is on vacation. Do we not want students to be excited about the University’s birthday? This year marks campus’s 120th anniversary, yet very little is done to involve students in the associated activities related to the celebration.
Anyway, have a safe spring break and happy birthday.
Note: To access the library shuttle service or to learn more, stop by the express desk at the entrance of D.H. Hill Library or call (919)515-3364.
E-mail Andrew all the reasons you can’t wait for spring break at viewpoint@technicianonline.com.
