New on-campus housing, ratification of the Student Government Association Constitution and discussion over faculty use of UTM’s student fitness center highlighted last Thursday’s SGA Senate meeting.

Earl Wright, director of housing, spoke and answered senator questions about the new apartment-style residence halls being constructed at the former Austin Peay dorm location. The new dorm, which is yet to be named, will house 396 students beginning next fall. Wright informed senators that current students will receive priority over incoming freshmen and transfer students if they apply by December 15.

The new apartment-style residences will feature a living room, full kitchen, electricity, cable, Internet connection, two, three or four bedrooms and private baths. The new dorms will come fully furnished.

“We started out with some focus groups talking about what it was that they were looking for in the housing as far as furnishings,” Wright said. Wright added that SGA could have the final say as to which furnishings will be selected. Since the new housing will be fully furnished, students will have to store the furniture they do not wish to use. Wright was particularly proud that the new housing will feature full-sized beds, which he said was the frequent suggestion of focus groups.

As to the progress of the construction, Wright said, “The framing contractor might be as much as one day behind schedule, and that’s great news.” The framing contractor is responsible for raising the wooden frame. Wright cited the soaring prices of steel and high lumber prices for an increased expenditure. “We were fortunate that we got all the lumber before the hurricanes in Florida, though,” he said. Wright said housing prices will probably continue to increase with the rate of inflation, currently two to three percent. He said soaring health care costs also impact housing fees. Senators inquired if the campus-wide alcohol policy would be in effect at the new housing since the new dorms are apartments. Wright informed Senate that the official policy of the university is that no alcohol is allowed in the dorms. Housing says that resident assistants will not be used in the new dorms.

Wright said that apartment rental rates have been set. The rate will be $395 per month with a 12 month lease making monthly payments, but if students are willing to make one payment of$2,310 each semester, they will save $120. With monthly payments, rent will be $4,740 per year. Ten month leases are also available at $420 per month. Graduating seniors may sign a five year lease for $420 per month.

SGA Campus Observation Committee chair Kevin Anderson updated the assembly about SGA’s student taxi service, which escorted students around campus in a golf cart. Anderson said the response was “pretty good” and that it gave senators a good opportunity to talk with their constituents. Anderson also said that his committee is working on putting up mailboxes for student clubs in the SGA office as part of Dusty Dean’s efforts to improve communication among clubs.

SGA’s Constitutional Review Committee, headed by Chief Justice Beau Pemberton, submitted the revised Constitution for ratification, which passed unanimously. Before the Constitution can be ratified, another hearing and vote must take place.

The Senate also passed a resolution to form an ad hoc committee to investigate the feasibility of allowing UTM faculty to use the fitness center, which is paid by student fees. Faculty have voiced interest in using the student facilities. SGA and Faculty Senate are working jointly to resolve the matter.