WASU working to build a better family

by Ian Hutchinson and Kara Hodge

WASU 90.5 FM, "The APP" is Appalachian State's very own radio station and is completely student-operated. WASU plays mainstream, regional, and college-oriented artists, and features a variety of specialty shows.

Focused on better ties with other student-run entertainment organizations, like A.P.P.S. and The Appalachian, the radio station hopes to build a stronger music community in Boone.

"Everyone involved in university entertainment needs to work together to support this goal," said Station Manager Jon Watkins. Another focus of WASU for the 2000-01 academic year is to add diversity, along with stronger staff support. DJs will spend more time at the station this year than in previous years, thus giving the station a more human voice during airtime.

"We're going to try and rock out this year. We're going to have more variety," said Music Director Patrick Sills. During Spring 2000, WASU stopped using CDs and converted to the wave format, or a digital-audio file used on computers. To add more variety and a greater depth of song selection, the radio station will now be using the highly controversial MP3s instead. "Variety is key," said Watkins.

Promotions, contests and give-aways are also a part of the WASU program. Staff members participate in giving away tickets to concerts in the area, t-shirts, bumper stickers and in the future, hope to give away such prizes as trip passes.

The WASU staff can sometimes even be found in Plemmons Student Union or Legends conducting live broadcasts to tie in with the station's promotions.

The 2000-01 staff for WASU 90.5 FM includes: Chris Higginbotham as program director, Amanda Smith as promotions director, Mike Davis as head of the sales department and Leslie Hitchcock as news director.

Brian Gill and Jake Stroot will be working in the sports department, Matt Schriber is production director and Laura Brady will assist in programs and music directing. Interested in participating with WASU 90.5 FM "The APP" as either a DJ or department member? Call Jon Watkins at 262-3170 or visit the website at www.wasu.appstate.edu for more information.

Administration eyes tuition increase

As the first impression of the Student Government Association, Ryan Bolick is a president of dedication and loyalty. Armed with these vital leadership traits, Bolick is ready to serve Appalachian students as diligently as any of his predecessors.

With that in mind, Bolick stresses that student input concerning a student fee increase is necessary. The administration is proposing an increase in student fees of $200 for the next two years.

One of Bolick's concerns is the active participation of the student body in response to the Board of Governors' proposed increase in October. Student fee increases within the University of North Carolina system are a common occurrence.

However, a request by the administration to increase Appalachian's student fees has been unheard of. According to Vice Chancellor for Student Development Gregory Blimling, "Appalachian has never requested to increase its student fees."

With the construction of the new George M. Holmes Convocation Center and the enhancement of the school's technology infrastructure, an increase in student fees may finally be on the horizon.

As of now, the average student fees has increased by $45 across the 16-member UNC system. UNC Chapel Hill and N.C. State lead the way with a $332 increase in student fees. Student input is imperative concerning the possible increase. With the information Bolick receives from students, he and Student Body Vice President Preston Powell can translate those concerns to the Board of Trustees on Sept. 15. Another key concern of Bolick is the disposition of apathy among some students.

An increase in student fees may be looming and student participation is very important. "I want to be able to say I spoke with 2000-01 students," said Bolick about the need to communicate with the majority of the student body concerning the probable increase in student fees.

"The students' role becomes important. As a member of the student body, that makes (the student) a member of the Student Government Association, (and students) have the right to voice (their) opinions." As the students' representatives to Chancellor Borkowski, Bolick and Powell have committed themselves to establishing a student government dedicated to representing all students at ASU.

Bolick is working to organize a town hall meeting so students can voice their concerns to the administration about the proposed increase.

The involvement of the student body cannot be overlooked. "Apathy becomes a term of concern when students don't become involved in the decision-making process," said Bolick when asked about the apathetic nature of some students. Bolick contends that ASU is one of the more political campuses in the UNC system.

He is optimistic about student involvement in the issue of a proposed increase. Bolick wants to make sure the money gained in a possible increase would be funneled back into the university, since funneling would enable the university to retain its staff from other more competitive universities.

For questions or comments about the proposed increase in student fees, contact Bolick encourages students to contact him at rb28173@cp.appstate.edu.

Holmes Center delays force convocation to Varsity Gym

Despite diligent efforts, the George M. Holmes Convocation Center will not be open for Convocation, scheduled Sept. 7. Convocation ceremonies will be moved to Varsity Gymnasium. "There's still too much work in terms of code compliance," said Clyde Robbins, director of design and construction.

An early inspection of the center last week revealed that the building did not meet fire and light safety requirements. Fire alarm systems were not completely installed and some walls did not meet the fire code. "It's a complicated project, and it's not unusual for delays with six contractors," said Robbins. He points out that it is sometimes difficult to coordinate all of their respective efforts.

Although Convocation will not be held in the building, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will still take place Sept. 6, with most of the ceremony being held outside and tours being conducted afterward. "We won't be putting a large number of people in there at one time," said Robbins.

Throughout the project, university officials received assurance from the contractor that the center would be finished by Convocation Day. The news of the delay is disappointing to everyone involved, including Eddie Crawford, director of the Holmes Center.

"I'm a little frustrated, but it's understandable," said Crawford. He admits that he had some doubts about the center being finished by Sept. 7, but builders reassured him it would be complete. "The contractors stepped up the pace and said they'd have it ready on time," he said.

Crawford also verifies that the ceiling inspections showed mechanical and electrical situations that needed to be fixed before the Holmes Center could be used. Franklin Graham's High Country Festival, slated for Sept. 15-17, will be moved to Kidd-Brewer Stadium.

According to Robbins, there was a back-up plan already in place if delays were experienced. The setbacks will not have an impact on other scheduled events. Robbins and Crawford are both confident that basketball season and classes slated to begin in the center next semester will not be affected by the current delays.

Landscaping, sidewalks and outdoor lighting will be the final tasks to be completed. According to Robbins, the landscaping is a large job that will take at least three weeks. The site has yet to be finely grated for this project, and contractors probably will not begin it until there is cooler weather. Before the Holmes Center is officially opened, the staff must go through a punch-list detailing all items in the contract that were not completed.

Crawford said finding a storage place for the equipment is another problem. "Our biggest challenge was trying to get the equipment in on time," he said. Now with more time needed, equipment has been stored in the center and at the Physical Plant. "It's going to be an exceptionally fine facility," said Robbins.

"The building will more than meet our expectations." "If they have it completed by Sept. 19, the contracted date, I'll be happy," says Crawford. Robbins feels that the project should be fairly close to completion in October.