Thanks to the Hillsdale College Student Federation, Mossey Library will have new tables and chairs and the Daniel M. Fisk Museum of Natural History in the Strosacker science building is on the road to renovation.
The organization approved $27,000 to buy new chairs and tables for the Mossey Library and $4,500 for new carpet in the Strosacker Hillsdale College Museum. In total, Student Fed spent more than $33,000 in their last meeting. It plans to spend another $30,000 later in the semester.
The original plan was to spend $50,000 on campus improvement projects. However, according to senior Student Fed Treasurer Chelsea Goodale, when Student Fed received eight student and campus improvement proposals amounting to more than $120,000, it decided to spend no more than $30,000.
“The original amount we considered was more than we thought was wise,” Goodale said.
Funds were approved for the library because of an immediate need for new tables and chairs.
Sophomore representative Tyler Warman, a library worker, advocated funds for new furniture.
“I’ve picked up broken pieces of chairs all this week, and I don’t want to be doing that,” Warman said, referring to a recent episode involving a chair collapsing under a student. “I recommend the chairs and the tables.”
Library Director Dan Knoch has been wanting to replace the outdated furniture in the library for a long time.
“It’s something I’ve been trying to buy year after year,” Knoch said.
Last year, the library took a 4 percent budget reduction which has made obtaining funds for new furniture difficult.
The museum received $4,500 in funds to begin renovations, starting with new carpet. Professor of Biology Anthony Swinehart revived the museum in 2010, but the Beta Beta Beta biological honor society struggles to maintain the old facility.
According to junior Greyson King, Tri Beta chapter historian, the group expects to receive more funds once donors see progress in the science museum renovation.
“The museum is viewed by prospective students, President’s Club members, and other donors,” King said.
Junior representative Casey Harper proposed that $2,300 be spent on an arcade and $300 on board games for the Grewcock Student Union. Harper’s proposal for the arcade was voted down, but $300 was set aside for board games.
“I think the arcade could be really fun,” senior representative Garrett Holt said. “I’m just trying to think of better things we could do with $2,300.”
Despite Student Fed’s decision, Harper continues his campaign to buy an arcade for the union.
“This isn’t over, I’ll be back,” Harper said.
