The buildings slated for renovations as part of KEEP-New Hampshire were constructed 40 to 60 years ago and, while adequate at that time, no longer support 21 st century teaching and research needs. Despite renovations and repair monies spent on them by the university system, they now require major modernization and upgrade. These are buildings, libraries, laboratories and classrooms that directly support programs in areas that are key to the economy and workforce needs of the state, namely engineering, natural and physical sciences, computer science, technology, and teacher education. The OS Council is putting out a call to fill its six empty seats which create a vacancy of one third of the council's capacity. The council, which met March 14 with not enough members to create a quorum, discussed the importance of OS staff members participating in the council and being represented to the president and university.
People are busy with their own lives.
There needs to be more community involvement. There are more than 900 OS staff member on campus, many of whom are not represented on the council according to Council Chair Sharon Gordon from the Plant Maintenance Department. Gordon said some of the vacant seats belong primarily to districts which make it hard for staff to attend meetings, such as Facilities and Housekeeping. However, she added, cross-district representation is allowed and any OS employee can fill those seats. For information on joining the council, contact Sharon Gordon at 2-1496.