Student groups raise concerns about SMSU space allocation

Due to a number of unresolved issues, the Smith Space Committee, which oversees the parceling of Smith Memorial Student Union space to student groups, will host a town hall meeting on Wednesday to answer questions and receive feedback about the allocation process.

While final decisions on allocations are usually made by June 2, the committee chair, Pv Jantz, said that final allocations might need to be extended because of the complexity that the extra meeting brings to the table.  

Additionally, two student groups have filed appeals this year.  

“We will have to decide if we are to address the appeals by making some changes and denying up to five groups an office, or take our chances with the advisory board,” Jantz said.  

The first town hall meeting was held on April 20. Various student groups brought up questions and concerns, and the committee outlined the steps that go into the allocation process.  

Every two years, the Smith Space Committee presents a proposal that outlines where various student groups should be located throughout the building. This year, a second meeting has been called because of several issues that have been raised by student groups.  

“We oversee 29 rooms, housing at least 40 student groups, all with various pressing needs that create conflicts with other groups,” Jantz said.   

Because student groups change in size, funding and general needs over time, so do their needs and requirements for office space, he said.

According to Jantz, much of what the space committee does is look at which groups are growing and need more space. Because of this ever changing interest in the various student groups, Jantz said that these student groups’ current placement often doesn’t make sense.

On the other hand, Jantz added, “Most student groups can’t utilize their office to the full capacity.”

As Jantz walked around SMSU, he pointed out that one student group had gained a few members this year and would be relocated to a larger office. However, a number of others would be relocated to smaller offices because their growth has stagnated over the past few years. 

“It’s all a balancing act,” Jantz said.  

In an e-mail to the student groups, Jantz explained that, since the first town hall meeting, several people wanted another chance to ask questions about the allocation process.

“A few people expressed concerns that required our attention, and forced us to put off submitting the allocation to the advisory board for final approval,” Jantz wrote in the e-mail.   

The final meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, in 294 SMSU. ?