Chancellor mentors SGA

Dr. Richard Brown, vice chancellor for finance and operations, spoke to the Student Government Association regarding proposed plans for campus development.Brown, along with Janet Spraker, director of facilities, and Tom Ellis, vice chancellor of facilities, presented the senators a plan concerning Chamberlain Field and the South Stadium.

Brown's presentation included pictures of the deterioration of the stadium and images of a possible concept for the area surrounding chamberlain field.

The concern for the South Stadium building is the deterioration of the brick and concrete construction used in the building, Spraker said.

She said other campus buildings with similar structural problems have been restored, but funds have not been available to completely restore the stadium.

Brown said: "We do have a culture for saving these historical buildings, but we're struggling with this one...because of safety...If we can save it, we will."

Spraker said, "We consider [Chamberlain Field] significant...We'll surround it, but not build on the field itself."

This is being called the "concept of Chamberlain Plaza" which would include the addition of buildings on Vine Street between Chamberlain Field and the UC.

Brown said the buildings will be similar in design to the Engineering building with a goal for all the buildings to be LEED certified.

The uses of these buildings would range from housing, classrooms and student services, to an alumni building.

"This plan will be funded by money from the stimulus package of which the executive team has already okayed the use of the money," Brown said. "We're just trying to do what's right."

SGA President Tyler Forrest, a senior from Athens, Tenn., informed senators he would be participating in a tour of the South Stadium in cooperation with the proposal planning.

Brown said with the stimulus money, students will see new equipment across campus to include microscopes, computers, classroom furnishings and a math lab. He said the university will be moving toward energy-saving techniques and security cameras.

Brown then fielded questions from senators regarding the proposed plan along with other pressing issues, particularly on-campus parking and housing.

Kyle Richard, a junior from Memphis, asked Brown, "Due to the growing number of students, what is being done about the parking situation?"

We are placing a focus on the shuttle system which can get you anywhere in six minutes," Brown said. "We've got enough parking, it just may not be at your front door."

He also informed the senate of an upcoming student focus group regarding parking.

Daniel Hunley, a senior from Jackson, Tenn., and SGA vice president asked about additional parking structures on campus.

Brown said that such structures would cost around $20,000 per space, money which would have to come from student fees.

Dominique Copeland, sophomore from Chattanooga, said "[Parking at Engel Stadium is] like a mud slide [when it rains]."

Brown said has sent an e-mail authorizing improvements that should take place next week. He said the lot would be covered in gravel as a temporary fix for future improvements in the area to include track and field and intramural facilities.