Category | Featured

Vision 2010-2015 forums discuss university’s future

Published on October 13, 2009 by Caitlyn Van Orden

Fees may increase by $35 next fall; “football exploratory committee” to form
The Student Government Association (SGA) and President Daniel Papp are holding a series of open forums this week called KSU Vision 2010-2015 to discuss the future of the university and seek students’ input.

President Daniel Papp begins his presentation at KSU Vision 2010-2015 Monday afternoon. Photo by Karlee Gonzalez.

The first two forums were held Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and Monday at 12:30 p.m. Additional forums will be held today 5 p.m.-6:15 p.m. in the Student Center University Rooms, Wednesday 12 p.m.-1:15 p.m. on the Student Center Terrace (or in the Student Center Dining Room in case of rain) and Thursday 3:30 p.m.- 4:45 p.m. during SGA’s weekly meeting in University Room B of the Student Center.

Questions emailed to ksuvision@gmail.com will be answered both at the next forum and via email. A video of the Sunday forum is posted on ksusga.com.

The forums begin with a presentation by Papp followed by Q and A time.

Topics focus on proposed new academic programs and buildings, recreational facilities and intercollegiate athletic facilities, as well as the possible impact of such projects on student fees.

Papp said the only increase in fees he would request that SGA consider for the 2010-2011 academic year would be $35 per student to fund completion of the Sports and Recreation Park on Busbee Parkway.

According to Papp’s presentation, Valdosta State University has the highest fees in the University System of Georgia and UGA has the second highest. KSU ranks 11th highest with $473 in mandatory fees for fiscal year 2010.

Papp also reported that construction of the new $60 million Health Sciences Building is “under budget and ahead of schedule.”

Football is also a major topic of discussion at the forums; Papp said he has been asked when KSU will get a football team at nearly every presentation he has given in his three years as president.

“Before we get a football team - if we get a football team - four questions have to be answered,” said Papp in his presentation, citing “land and facilities, a place to play, annual operating funds and Title IX compliance.”

Football would likely raise student fees by $50 to $85 per semester to pay for $2 million to $4 million in annual operations and $1 million to $3 million in compliance with Title IX.

Papp said he plans to put together a “football exploratory committee” in the next month or two consisting of students, faculty, staff, alumni and businesspeople to decide if football is plausible.

“If we ever do football here, we’re going to do it the right way,” said Papp on Sunday.

According to Papp’s presentation, officials hope to eventually increase the size of KSU both on the west, “core campus” and the area on Busbee Parkway by the new Sports and Recreation Park.

“We’re really talking about an east and west campus,” said Norman Radow, KSU Foundation chairman.

Proposals for later years include a recreation center, a football team, a campus shuttle transportation system and increased technology on campus. Officials have also made proposals for new programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels.

The recreation center would cost between $35 million and $85 million depending on the size and grandeur of the facility, increasing student fees between $45 and $120 per semester.

Officials are also proposing building a $23 million stadium in the future that could seat 15,000 for KSU women’s soccer in the fall, women’s professional soccer in the spring and for concerts. A donor has offered to contribute $4 million.

“We could bring in Usher or U2,” Papp said with a laugh. “There would be a killer sound system in there as well.”

During the Q and A on Sunday, a student asked Papp if there were plans for school-sponsored Greek housing, to which he replied, “It’s very much on our agenda.”

Papp was also asked about extending the dining hall hours of operation, and he said that dining hall officials plan to extend them “possibly as soon as spring semester.”

One student expressed concern that KSU’s reputation was not reaching beyond the metro Atlanta area, and Radow said officials are considering hiring a public relations specialist.

Freshman Lauren Reid said she found attending Monday’s forum beneficial. “I like that they told us how it was going to affect our fees. I thought it was going to be like $100, but it’s only $35 and that’s not bad at all,” said Reid.

“Kennesaw State University is on the verge of becoming a national university,” said Papp on Monday. “We’ve got some decisions to make this year and next year.”

SGA is also requesting that students provide feedback on the future of KSU by responding to its Participate in the Process “Vision 2010-2015″ Survey, which students can access by logging on to Owl Express and clicking on “Current Surveys.” The survey will be available until Monday, Oct. 19 at 11:59 p.m.