By: Jennifer Bladykas
Posted In: News
Photo credit: www.salve.edu
Sister Antone
The opportunity to talk to the President of the University might seem like quite a process. There are meetings to arrange, procedure to follow and then working up the nerve to actually talk. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be given the opportunity of a no-hassle conversation with the President of the school you’re attending?
Well, for the students who attended Monday night’s lecture in Bazarsky Lecture Hall, questions were free to flow directly from a student’s mouth into the President’s ear and communication between the main authority on campus and the main majority on campus was clear. And students were ready to question. Students brought up such topics as new dorms, acquisitions of buildings, the current state of Carey mansion, the greatest obstacle in the next five years, a new student center, acquisition of a theater and of course, parking. To answer these questions, President Antone used a combination of honesty and humor to clarify her positions. For those of you who weren’t available to attend the lecture, here are the simplified answers to those important questions. New Dorms: A new building was bought this past year and is in current development for student residences. Acquisitions of Buildings: President Antone said that she’d love to buy everything that became available, but will continue to judge each property to make sure Salve is getting a fair deal and is focusing on education. Carey Mansion: “We don’t own Carey Mansion,” said President Antone. She said that while it is difficult to fund and put money into a building that is not essentially Salve’s, they will “stop the rent check” should conditions become unlivable for the students in that dorm. However, the Board and President Antone are determined to rehabilitate Carey Mansion and acquire it should the occasion arise. Greatest Obstacle: “We want to maintain the spirit of our size,” answered President Antone when noting that the greatest obstacle will be the increase in faculty and the academic research that those faculty members will require. She said that making sure faculty are available to students and the involvement remains the same will be the greatest challenge. Student Center: While many students questioned whether the gutting of Wetmore, the former facilities building, will be turned into a Student Center, the President said there are other plans. President Antone said that she plans on using that building as increased academic area, with plans to make the Mercy theater complex and Wetmore into an additional academic complex. Theater: There was some confusion after students heard that the Mercy theater complex might be turned into an academic area, and the question of a working theater was brought up. President Antone agreed that an appropriate venue was needed for the department and they are looking into purchasing a building off campus that would seat 300. The President acknowledged that while many of these opportunities might not be on campus, “you’ve got to make do with what you can.” Parking: “Parking problems? Parking problems? What parking problems?” joked President Antone when asked about the lack of parking on-campus. When questioned about the switching to a pedestrian friendly campus, President Antone answered, “It means you use your 2 legs to get from point A to point B.” She said that focusing on parking at the beginning of the day and walking to the different places on campus will make for a safer environment for everyone. The parking, she said, is not only a problem on this campus, but everywhere these days. So, in response, she encourages students to walk when possible and limit the use to driving only when necessary. For approximately a half hour before answering questions, President Antone spoke to Salve students on both the past five years and the plan for the future of the University. “I didn’t want to refuse this presentation,” said President Antone as she stepped down from behind the podium and walked among the bottom level of the lecture hall. Using the Power Point presentation that she gave to faculty and staff, President Antone outlined the progress of Salve Regina University from 1998 on. The ultimate planning goal was to revisit the mission statement of the University in order to create a vibrant learning community, practice mercy by serving others and act as stewards of institutional resources. Some highlights and examples of progress from the past four years that President Antone included in her presentation are listed below:– New Core Curriculum
– Pell Scholar’s Program
– Improved Athletics for all students
– Student Government Association and increased club funding
– New Construction of Rodgers, New Residence and others
– Increased endowment After speaking of the past, President Antone focused on the future. Outlines of goals and criteria for Phase II (2004-2010) have already begun and the President took some time to explain how that will work. A review of historical trends has already begun, so has informal talks and focus groups on what is working and what needs to change for the next five years. President Antone is working on putting together a focus group of students, as well as faculty and staff, in order to allow every voice to be heard when making changes for the upcoming years. “We’re working together in a positive manner,” ended President Antone. Stephen Kavanagh, President of the Student Government Association ended the presentation and encouraged students to get involved with their senators to bring about change. For more information on President Antone’s presentation or to talk to your student senator, please contact the Student Government Association at ext. 2728.
