Father Biondi, S.J., cracked jokes as he faced students' questions Monday night at the President's Coordinating Council town hall meeting.
The meeting, which was attended by about 75 students, covered several of the major issues on campus.
The issues of flight fees came up more than once; Parks College Dean Bjong Wolf Yeigh, Ph.D., presented some information, citing fuel costs, insurance costs and the fact that the University can no longer subsidize the flight program as the reasons for the $3,500 fee. Yeigh said that the $3,500 will just "offset" the costs of the program, not fix the problem.
"The fuel costs are just one element. Your insurances costs are another element. We lose about $300,000 a year on the Billiken Air, and I convinced the Board of Trustees in '98 or so, that in order for you to have better credentials, for you to sit in the right-hand seat of the Billiken Air, you would have a better edge to get a job," said Biondi. "What's the option? Closing a program that has been losing $2.5 million? Or charging a reasonable amount of money, which we have every right to do, according to our student handbook, in order for you to get your degree and get certified?"
Sophomore Jake Kriegler asked Biondi if he would come to the Parks town hall meeting, since the Parks administration said that the fee directive had come "from above them."
Biondi denied his request, citing a previous engagement.
Junior Hillary Clark asked if there was a way that the administration could announce fees with more notice, given the recent outburst of fee levying.
Bob Woodruff, chief financial officer, said that they start preparing a budget 11 months in advance.
"Unfortunately, there was a little bit of time that elapsed from when those meetings where the details were finally worked out and when the fees were announced. I cannot speak to the timing, but what we do in most cases, is do it well in advance. We started meetings for the upcoming year, which begins July 1, 2005, in August of 2004," said Woodruff. "We allowed plenty of time for input from different people to have that come together. We'll try to go with plenty of lead time again, so that those affected by it can participate in the process."
Adam Meister, who presided over the meeting, said he had been asked if there was any precedent where broad-based fees that affect most students were usually announced with the tuition increases for the following year.
"It's a dynamic model. We're looking at it all the time; we're constantly evaluating it. If something becomes necessary to adjust at a certain time, hopefully we'll do it when there's adequate notice," said Woodruff.
Senior Chris Clark, in the College of Arts and Sciences, asked what the update was on the arena, and if the administration knew when they would break ground.
"Your children will be able to see it," said Biondi to Clark. "Those of you that are freshmen, you will see it your senior year. If any of you know any particularly elderly people, who are not married, who have no children or grandchildren of any persuasion or particular background, [call] 977-7777 [to contribute]."
Kathleen Brady, vice president of facilities management said that once half of the $70 million is in for the arena the building process will take about 18 months to complete.
Biondi touched on the subject of the renovations for the Simon Recreational Center. He said his wish would be to envelop part of the parking lot on the west side of the building for renovations. He's expecting the project to cost about $1 million.
Charlie Crowley, president of Amnesty International and the leader of the movement to get SLU to join the Workers Rights Consortium presented the members of the PCC with packets of information regarding the WRC. Biondi passed out the packets, assigning his committee "homework" and told Crowley that he would meet with him to discuss the topic further.
Freshman Pat Devney, directed a question at Fr. Biondi and Kathy Humphrey, vice president of student development, asking their personal opinions about the Greek system.
"I am in favor of the Greek system," said Biondi. "In general, I am concerned with three areas, especially this past year: the number of attempted suicides by our students, the number of physical fights or altercations that have occurred since last December and the number of vandalisms since last August.
"It has nothing to do with the fraternities by the way; I think that some of our students are challenged by the amount of alcohol that they consume. And I don't know if it's a cultural problem or if it's a problem innate to American young people. I'm not too sure that we are doing a good job educating you about the benefits of drinking responsibly. We're concerned. "
Biondi went on to say that there has been significantly more vandalism this year than in years past, specifically with the bollard lights illuminating the mall.
"I love the Greeks," said Humphrey. "But I am going to hold you accountable for who you say you are."
Students also inquired as to the new meal plan concepts being established for next year. Meister told them that Wackadoo's will become Salsarita's by fall, A&W will move into Grand Market, Pizza Hut and KFC will move into Fusz Hall, and Subway will be relocating to DeMattias.
