In line with Student Assembly's emphasis on improving athletics and recreation at Dartmouth, Sarah Berger from the athletics department approached the Assembly about pursuing improvements to the Kresge Fitness Center. Berger discussed the need for student involvement and support for possible renovations to Kresge.
Plans for a completely new, bigger gym to replace the nearly century-old Alumni Gym have been presently shelved by the administration, she said. Berger noted that without a new gym, expansion of Kresge should be a priority.
"It's not that the deans don't care... In the grand scheme of priorities, it is just way down on their list," Berger said, "If it is going to go up [in priority] they need to know that there are a lot of people who have a strong constituency for it."
Berger said that initial plans are to expand the glass walls outside in order to create more room for exercise equipment and for work-out space.
"We'll estimate to see if we can at least push the walls out of the fitness center... It wouldn't make a huge difference, but at least it would make some difference," Berger said.
Berger cited the low budget of her department for Kresge -- around $5,000 to $6,000 a year. Since most of this budget is spent on maintenance for Kresge, Berger explained that her department would not be able to provide the funds for any such expansion. However, Berger said that any future change would need to have its impetus in a student body demonstrating a need for a better fitness center.
"If it's really important to you for your time at Dartmouth ... We invite you to participate with us and give us a push," Berger said.
The Assembly also discussed free speech issues at Dartmouth.
"I think it is a good idea if we get a group together and talk to the ACLU ... They might know some cases at Dartmouth over the years," Alex Tonelli '06 said in reference to violations of free speech. "The College has banned the Dartmouth Review and the Dartmouth Free Press from delivering door-to-door. It would be huge if we could get that changed."
Also, the Assembly passed a resolution last night allocating $2,500 for a Homecoming tailgate party. The funds will support a barbecue, a band and school spirit items for the student body.
The resolution was in part a response to an earlier one passed this term that encouraged support for more athletic school spirit. The Assembly approved the resolution without discussion.
