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Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 1:32 pm: | 
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Although this is my first post, I have been following MOL for a while. Once finals are over, I hope to post more frequently. Sheena and I are in the same boat, we really both give too much of our time to the students!! I also hope that my posts are viewed as points of information, because as I have read throughout these posts, many people have the wrong information.
Two Sense: SHU's housing program, as well as many other clubs, have made GREAT strides towards increasing programing on weekends. They have a program called Weekend Warriors which provides a variety of weekend programs. But sometimes you just want to walk around town with a cup of coffee instead of a trip to a bowling alley, myself included.
The stereotype of SHU being a suitcase school is quite a thing of the past. There will always be a percentage that goes home, but as a resident for 2 years, it is not what people think. I am not from out of state, but there a plenty of students who are and it is quite impossible for them to leave each weekend.
Susan1014, SHU has approx 2200 residents, 2800 commuter undergrads, and between 5000 and 6000 graduate students.
Mrosner, the parking permits were initially requested at a discount, which was still at a profit to the town, but SHU came back with the full NON-discounted amount. Also, as stated in the application, you intended on using the Jitney for SHU on off-peak hours, ie when the Jitney sits idle for 10+ minutes. I am unaware of a time where SHU was asked to contribute monitarily to the Jitney, as it was not indicated in the application that there was a request of funds from SHU. So since the application included SHU, there was no need to request SHU to give funds, since they were coming from the state. As mentioned last night by Sheena, we wish to see documentation that the funds were to be ONLY used for commuters. If that is the case, then we will go to the Admin, but the application is overwhelmingly ridden with references to services for SHU.
This is something the VLC can work on over the summer between the Admin and BOT when we find out more information. There is no intention on providing an extra tax-burden to the residents from the students. We know how much the residents pay on average and when I found out, I realized that I might need to change my major, because teaching doesn't provide the highest of salaries. I wouldn't doubt it my starting salary was comparable to property tax for a year in the Montrose area. I know it is appaling how high they are, are we don't want to increase them...we are struggling with our own bills and loans too.
Stuart0628, thank you for that wonderful information. People have to realize that we ask for a Jitney, not because students are too lazy to take the "10-minute walk from campus". I don't think there are many SO residents who would be willing to walk 10 minutes in the rain, in the dark, or even better, in the rain carrying a suitcase from the train station. It is close enough to enjoy a stroll on a lovely day, but it is not reasonable to think students or faculty would be willing to walk in the cold or at night. I am quite fearless sometimes, but I am not entirely comfortable with walking back from the station at night after a show in the city. Instead of grabbing coffee and desert from the Goat, I am more concerned with getting back ASAP in the dark and cold weather. I understand that it isn't the same in every situation, but that is just one example.
In response to anyone's comments on SHU's responsibility to provide students transportation as being vital, don't solely think of it as providing students with entertainment. I see it as how we have 10,000 people on average on this campus a day and those people could be in South Orange spending money. We are such a resource that only a few businesses have tapped into, and in fact, there are some businesses who are willing to contribute to fees of a Jitney, because they know the benefit they can reap.
If you haven't heard, food on campus isn't something someone is enthusiastic about eating every day. Getting off campus to have lunch in the town is something most students would love. That is honestly the tip of the iceberg, but the fact remains that SHU students and faculty are an unused consumer resource. The issue of SHU being tax-exempt is a moot point, so lets work with what we can actually control.
Just something to think about.
Kristen
Co-President, Village Liaison Committee
PS. I welcome any questions, especially for clarification, that posters may have. I want to serve as a Liaison between SO and SHU, not as a bothersome attempt to add to the tax burden which is already present.
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 1876
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 1:53 pm: |
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Kristen: Glad to see you posting.
When putting together a grant application one looks to make as strong a case as possible. The discussions about money would be between the village and SHU's administration. I myself had a discussion with Father Bob about various things including SHU making a contribution towards a jitney.
When the jitney sits "idle" there is no driver being paid. They get paid during the hours of operation.
There is a bus that runs along S. Orange Avenue that the students could use (unless there is some reason that maybe you could tell us about) and does run at night.
I hope to see you at a BOT meeting this summer.
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Stuart0628
Citizen
Username: Stuart0628
Post Number: 21
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 2:03 pm: |
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Note that the Princeton shuttle I mentioned above is free to ride...which means that the cost of 3 vans ($300,000-$450,000 per year using Susan's and Mark's numbers) must be baked into student fees to the extent it is not funded by the endowment. There is no other source of funding. (Unless there is some grant that I am not aware of...and if there is, perhaps SHU could apply for same.)
Kristen and Sheena--
In my nine years in town, I'm embarrassed to say that I have yet to set foot on the SHU campus. In part that's because I have no idea whether residents are welcome there. Are South Orange residents welcome at the SHU library? At the food court? Where does one park?
When I was finishing up my (interminable) professional exams, I would have loved to study in the SHU library, if only I knew I was welcome to do so.
What are your thoughts on this, as liasons to the community and as individual students?
Thanks! |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 2:12 pm: |
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When I refered to 'idle', I meant in between stops when the Jitney is occupied with a driver but waiting to drive to the next scheduled stop.
I hope you accept my sincere appology that I was unable to attend any BOT meetings in Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec. I had to schedule office hours for my tutoring job in Boland Hall and my schedule was extremely limited with 18 credits. I have been able to make only two meetings this semester because my efforts were centered on the Pirate Excellence Awards, my project with Columbia High School.
Since I have been more involved in the BOT aspects of our committee, and I am now Co-President, my attendance will be more frequent. I am also looking forward to the future dynamic of the new board with hopes of establishing a positive and strong relationship with our committee.
Stuart0628, I know we are straying from the original posting topic, but I welcome questions such as this one.
I understand the intimidation of the gates, but I would not give thoes up for the security that they provide. I hate that they give residents the impression of exclusion.
I will do a little more research on parking, food, library, etc.
I can speak for Athletics because I have recently learned that they are hiring a new employee for marketing. Upon hiring, this person will serve as a resource for the VLC to provide posters and information about events that we can deliever to the town, just like we do with the Setonians.
I will report back with that I find.
Kristen |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2985
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 2:17 pm: |
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Stuart: You can borrow books from the SHU Library with a REBL Card, which can be applied for at the S.O. Public Library as well.
-s.
So far as Villagers using the other SHU facilities, I'll defer to Sheena or Kristen. |
Scooby Doo
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1010
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 2:23 pm: |
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I think people are talking past each other here. I still have yet to hear why students don't take the bus, but ok, they don't. They want a free ride. Understandble. I've been a poor college student.
I doubt anyone would argue that a shuttle is a bad idea. The question really comes down to who will fund it. it has been said several times no that the grant for the jitney, not matter what he application says, was given explicitly for transporting commuters. Therefore that funding is not available for an SHU-specific shuttle.
The school used to have a shuttle and discontinued it. No one has indicated why. Ridership? Cost? Liability? Until that question is answered, I really don't see why anyone would spend money for a shuttle for SHU. And arguing over whether there will be a shuttle, and who will pay for it, is simply arguing for the sake of arguing.
Personally, I don't want to see my taxes being used to subsidize a shuttle to benefit students. It's nothing personal. I think it's great that we have a university in town. But I believe in taxpayers first, other second. And since taxes are such a huge issue in town, who is willing to pay more so that SHU students can get into town? If the chool wants o pay, great. if town busniess owners want to pay, great. But not me.
Oh, and Marc, just as some tiny portion of your taxes do eventually make it down to our town, we subsidize your education (SHU is tax-exempt, right?) though our taxes. I would guess more of our taxes reduce your tuition than your taxes go to the town. I think both arguments are silly. it's like saying to a cop who stops you for a ticket, "I pay your salary!" |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 44
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 2:28 pm: |
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Stuart - I would LOVE to see more residents come on campus. I personally don't like the idea of the gates whatsoever. I think it separates our communities even further. However, safety is the number one priority for SHU and these gates simply do that for us.
All you need is a guest pass to come on campus which you get at the gate and it allows you to park. If you want to use the library you definitely can, again you just sign in as a guest.
There are wonderful things on campus and I would love to show you sometime. If you'd like a tour of campus, I would be happy to set that up or I would be happy to show you around myself.
You can pay cash at the food court and also at the Pirates Cove (no food in the library though - haha)
The sentiment from the general student body is that they don't understand why more people don't come on campus. It is our hope people will come and get better aquainted with our students and some facilities!
Our website is www.shu.edu. There's maps of the university and also a list of upcoming events.
Thanks,
Sheena |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2987
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 2:43 pm: |
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Sheena: Maybe you could actually promote a full day of officially-sanctioned tours of the SHU campus expressly for Villagers, similar to the sort of tours given by your Admissions Office to prospective students and parents.
Heavy local advertising beforehand, one-time discounts on food and/or SHU gear, and teams of enthusiastic student guides could do a world of good towards opening local eyes to the wealth of Villager-available facilities and activities which your school offers.
-s.
BTW: Make it on a Saturday in the Spring. I'd go... |
Eliot Spitzer
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 1046
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 2:47 pm: |
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Sheena - In discussing this whole subject with my wife last night, who I mentioned previously received a graduate degree from SHU, she said exactly the same thing - that we really don't take advantage of all that SHU has to offer. (But she feels as I do about the costs of the jitney). |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 46
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 4:41 pm: |
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okay well let's leave the jitney alone for a little bit. Point taken. We ask for the most, the village asks for the most - and then we're gonna have to work from the middle.
Again, atleast this stuff will be discussed openly instead of the way things will be handled in the past.
I will reach out to our student ambassadors and university advancement to see when this would be possible.
Our 150th year is next school year and there are a lot of activities lined up that I think the community would love.
For maybe a week or so we can forget about the taxes and enjoy each other's company.
Sheena |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 1881
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 4:45 pm: |
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I started this thread innocently about trying to get residents to fill out the survey about the jitney. Anyone who thinnks they might be able to use the jitney should complete the survey. Here is the link again:
http://www.southorange.org/news.asp?page=2
Figure this should be the last post in this thread since it started with me posting about the survey. |
Taylor M
Citizen
Username: Anotherusername
Post Number: 466
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 7:42 pm: |
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Scooby-
I can tell you of the dozen campus' I've checked with, as well as the admistrators of those towns NONE have Jitney's paid for by the town.
I'm glad people are finally realizing the REAL residents of South Orange should NOT be bending to the part-time only because they are SHU student 'residents.'
Now, IF SHU allowed it's students to live in the dorms year round, AND the students had their dorm room listed on their driver's license as were they lived AND their mommy or daddy don't claim them on their taxes, then, I might feel differently.
And Mark- WHY did the town allow the voting booths to be moved to the SHU campus? We shouldn't be making it so easy for them to bully us... |
Taylor M
Citizen
Username: Anotherusername
Post Number: 467
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 7:55 pm: |
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As a private unv Seton Hall shouldn't be asking for ANYTHING from our BOT without at least giving something back. I'm waitng for the time ALL South Orange residents will be allowed the same access to the SHU pool and gym as the students are allowed to OUR pool and tennis courts. I can use the facilities on campus because I went to SHU; but plenty of residents in town did not. |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 6
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 8:13 pm: |
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I don't believe the town "allowed" it, Mark can confirm that, but I don't even think the local gov't was consulted. The decision was made by the county. |
BMO
Citizen
Username: Bmo
Post Number: 45
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 8:32 pm: |
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Kristen...
I believe the school made a proposal to the Essex County Division of Elections.
- Brian |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 48
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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If anyone wants to see our proposal to the Divison of Elections, I would be happy to supply it. I spoke with the commissioner and inevitably it was the committees decision from their end. However, this is a moot point. Unless we're in gross violation of something that wasn't in our contract (i.e. parking, handicap accessibility, etc.) SHU will continue to serve as the district 12 polling location. It's a great honor to be hosting residents on our campus and we hope to continue this new tradition.
Thanks,
Sheena |
bets Betsy Elizabeth
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 1204
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 1:15 am: |
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Can we all let Sheena et al study for their finals now? Dave, could you close this thread (Sheena and other students have repeatedly said they need time for their studies)? |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 556
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 9:30 am: |
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Sheena and other students can stop posting whenever they want...why do you need Dave to silence us if we want to talk?
Should I ask Dave to start closing threads next time I have deadlines at work? Heaven forbid a conversation goes on without me.... |
bets Betsy Elizabeth
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 1208
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 11:12 am: |
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Please forgive my transgression. Of course Sheena and all the others are adults who can manage their own time. I was just getting a little upset at the constant ragging against them. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 557
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 11:36 am: |
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No problem. Hope you don't see my debate as "ragging against them" -- I actually think there has been some rather good discussion here. |
Grspring
Citizen
Username: Grspring
Post Number: 9
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 2:25 pm: |
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At last a partial answer to my original question.
Seton Hall asked to move District 12 voting onto campus.
Why didn't they care enough about the community to ask what the District home owners thought about a move.
I can see what happens when they don't get their Jitney because we refuse to pay.
They will go to the DOT and have anyone who parks in a town lot designated a shuttle driver for their students. |
Eliot Spitzer
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 1054
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 2:39 pm: |
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Jeff, in his "Dubowy and Seton Hall - An Active Partnership" thread, has been very candid and forthright about the jitney. He says he will not allow the taxpayers of South Orange to be financially responsible for providing jitney service and that if SHU wants expanded service for its students, SHU must be financially responsible.
I haven't yet heard this type of clear statement from ADE. I sense that this is an important issue for a number of us. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 234
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 2:51 pm: |
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Eliot Spitzer:
You can find previous posts on this subject from both John and myself:
John's post# 1766
My post #228
VOTE ADE |
Eliot Spitzer
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 1055
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 2:56 pm: |
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Howard - I've reread those posts several times and there is no clear-cut statement that you will look to SHU to be responsible and that the taxpayers will not be responsible. No sense in going back and forth on this. I have my answer. |
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