Student Assembly committee chairs outlined their plans for new student services this term, including an enlarged fitness center and a redecorated Novack caf, at last night's meeting.
Having convened with Dan Reicher '78, former assistant energy secretary under President Clinton, and student ECO representatives to discuss using renewable energy sources at Dartmouth, Student Assembly President Janos Marton '04 introduced the possibility of such a plan at last night's Assembly meeting.
Renewable energy, such as solar or hydraulic energy, serves as an alternative as to fossil fuels, which are in limited supply.
Marton and Jonathan Petkun '07, Dartmouth's representative to the College Climate Response, are looking into The College's existing energy practices and would like to implement a renewable energy plan that would be expensive to implement but would save money in the long run, Marton said. Marton cited the University of Pennsylvania and Middlebury College as schools that have sought out sources of renewable energy.
The Student Services Committee seeks to provide a dozen or so "community bikes" for students to use to get around campus, according to committee chair Diana Zhang '06. Although the details have not yet been worked out, Zhang said the bikes would be painted yellow and would help students get to places quickly.
Marton also mentioned the possibility of sprucing up Novack and making it more comfortable for students. Since it is already a "de facto student hangout," Marton said the Assembly is willing to put money into making Novack look more inviting.
Thanks in large part to Marton's efforts, Collis Late Night opened Monday night. Coffee, smoothies, baked goods and other foodstuffs will be served from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. from Sunday through Wednesday. Students can frequent the Lone Pine Tavern on the other nights.
Julia Hildreth '05, chair of the Student Life Committee, predicted that by the end of the term Kresge Gym/Fitness Center will house more equipment in a large space providing "immediate results" for students.
After meeting with athletic administrators last term, the Student Life Committee secured the gym's Berry classroom for additional fitness equipment. The space had been used for occasional yoga classes and other miscellaneous functions.
Students can also anticipate free CPR classes funded by the Assembly. Todd Rabkin Golden '06, assistant to the Assembly president, held a pilot class last term in which some 25 students became Adult CPR certified. Rabkin Golden said he intends to "teach as many students as interested."
Following up on the much debated topic of student rights, Ralph Davies '05 said he intends to meet with The College's chief counsel to work on the semantics of the Student Bill of Rights, initiated Winter term.
In addition, students can expect to find newly-updated student rights cards in their Hinman boxes in early April, Rabkin Golden said.
