COLUMN: Keep in touch with the ombudsman
The main focus of Utah State University’s Ombudsman Committee, organized under the Student Advocate of the Associated Students of Utah State University, is to allow the student body an organized forum to voice concerns and state opinions. In order to represent you and your ideas, we want to know your stand on what goes on at Utah State.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word ombudsman is: “one that investigates reported complaints (as from students or consumers), reports findings, and helps to achieve equitable settlements.”
These are the main issues we are currently working on:
* The parking terrace being open and charging until midnight
In previous years, the terrace has not charged parking fees past 9:30 p.m. However, as of Sept. 2, the parking terrace now remains open and charges fees until midnight. According to a survey on the ASUSU Web site, as of Sept. 9 and out of the 137 visitors who voted, the results are: 91 percent (125 voters) do not think the terrace should remain open until midnight. Three percent (4 visitors) are undecided and six percent (8 voters) agree the terrace should be open until midnight. The parking committee will be meeting within the near future to discuss this issue.
* Banner system
The new Banner system will allow students to maintain the confidentiality of their social security numbers by giving them independent student numbers. The anticipated deadline for students to be able to use these ID numbers is Fall 2004. Also, the new system will allow 24-hour access to the QUAD and increase the user capacity from 150 students at one time to approximately 4,000 or 5,000 users.
* ISBN numbers at the USU Bookstore
In the past, students have had access to textbook ISBN numbers through the bookstore and online to shop around for lower prices. However, the ISBN number list is no longer posted for student use. We are currently researching with the bookstore to find alternative ways in providing ISBN numbers to students.
As the ASUSU student advocate and chair of the Ombudsman Committee, I welcome your opinions and comments on these issues, as well as any other concerns you may have. Please e-mail me and my committee at ombudsman@cc.usu.edu, call us at 797-1720, or visit my office, TSC, Room 323.
Les Essig is the ASUSU student advocate and a economics and finance major.