Campus Notes

Bollinger carries out office space allocation rulings

The Panel on Space Allocation for Student Organizations and University Involvement with Student Organizations is expected to release a report on how administrators and faculty should be involved with student groups early next month.

In April the panel released its recommendations regarding student space allocation to University President Lee Bollinger.

The first recommendation made by the committee called for no student organization to be given the right to permanently occupy space owned by the University. The panel said that office space for every student group should be subject to a periodic assignment process.

The panel also recommended that all organizations on campus privy to University space be made aware of the diversity on campus, and to avoid using denigrating symbols and caricatures.

In response to the take over of the Michigan Union's tower by the Students of Color Coalition, who protested the granting of privileged space to the senior society Michigamua, the panel recommended that the tower societies, as well as those organizations given privileged space in the League, the Pierpont Commons, the William Monroe Trotter House or the Division of Housing, register with the Michigan Student Assembly, and have their space be reviewed every two years.

Other recommendations said that the assignment of office space be done on a view-point neutral basis, that all University schools create policies for assigning space to student organizations and that student groups which have been given departmental status by the University Board of Regents, are elected governing bodies or any campus media be reviewed every five years.

On July 18, Bollinger issued a statement to the University committee saying that he agreed with the panels recommendations, but that the three tower societies - Michigamua, Phoenix and Vulcan - would be given office space for two years, and afterwards they would have to apply for office space like other student groups.

Complaint charges administration of discrimination

Four different University groups, as well as 22 individual students, filed a Title VI discrimination complaint against the University's administration. The complaint charged the University with continuous discrimination against Native American students, faculty and staff.

On August 4, those involved filed a 31-page complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights in Cleveland, Ohio.

The complaint charges that the administration supports the senior society Michigamua and therefore tolerates, and condones racial discrimination against Native Americans.

The group requested that the Michigan Union Tower be remodeled - which University President Lee Bollinger agreed. They said the administration should apologize to the Native American community for allowing Michigamua to use Native American caricatures.

The group is also calling for the free use of Crisler Arena for the Native American Student Association Powwow, and for an increase of Native American students, faculty and staff by at least 50 percent in the next two years.

Students hoping to make back a few bucks and possibly save a few on their books for fall term can take advantage of Student Book Exchange this week. The event, which is held in the Pendleton Room of the Michigan Union will allow students to drop off books today and buy books Thursday and Friday. Staff members will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Student book exchange kicks off

The Student Book Exchange allows students selling to set the price on their books and collect 85 percent of the return. The exchange is fully run by students.

Dentistry School celebrates 125th anniversary

Construction totaling $13 million allowed for renovations to three buildings named for alumni.

Improvements were made to the facilities at the Robert W. Browne Orthodontics Wing, Kenneth A. Easlick Pediatric Dentistry Clinic and the Samuel D. Harris Children's Dental Unit. The buildings boast improved registration facilities, new offices and conference rooms as well as continuing dental education offices.

- Compiled from staff reports.