A few weeks ago, there was an article in our wonderful campus newspaper, The Poly, about the state of some of the changes that are occurring in the Union. It talked about how things are up and running, and have been. It also mentioned that there are still many things to do. I hope that people have noticed that things are still progressing. Perhaps most notably, the number of tack boards to poster notices on greatly increased last week. Some more trim was put up and other assorted things took place.
What I really want to do this week is answer to the best of my ability some of the concerns I have received over e-mail. So, in no particular order ... The one thing I have heard about the most is telephones. Whether it is campus phones or payphones, many people have asked where they are in the "new" Union. Originally, Verizon was going to install pay phones in the building but have since decided they are going to get out of the pay phone business. This has left us at the point of evaluating other providers and trying to pick the best one. I estimate that you will see phones appear in the empty booths soon. On a positive note, there is a campus phone now hooked up on the east side of the building on the McNeil Room level in its old location near the piano lounge (for those of us who were around then).
The next question is in regard to a public access printer. I have been discussing this with the great people over in Network Support Services and am pleased to tell you that I was informed last week our printer is on order. When it arrives shortly, it will be installed in the Student Government Suite to allow for access anytime the building is open. I do have to thank everyone over at NSS for their help with this matter, especially John Fisher. Thanks John!
Another question that has been raised is about televisions in the Rathskellar. The student who e-mailed me reminisced about sitting in the Rath watching TV while eating the almost-famous Hole in the Wall sub. The E-Board’s business operations committee, in conjunction with the Union admin office, is in the middle of doing an unofficial questioning of random people in the Rathskellar level to determine where would be the best location to put multiple TVs. The thought is to have one in the main area and another inside Mother’s. Mother’s, which is open at all times except for when shows are in progress, will be home to another TV allowing people to watch "Survivor" while not disturbing those who are trying to study in the main area of the Rath. So again, TVs are on the way.
Finally, what would a Derby article be without me mentioning my favorite place in the Union, The Clubhouse Pub? One particular student was asking about live entertainment in the Pub—maybe a stand-up comedian or a small musical act. The biggest problem we have right now is funding. However, I am working with Martha McElligott, the Pub manager, in finding some funding to put a few small acts in the Pub throughout the rest of the semester. Details to follow.
If you have any suggestions or questions of your own about the Union, please e-mail me at pu@rpi.edu. I would love to hear more suggestions! Until next week, stay safe in the snow and don’t forget to come to the Pub and see me.
