History of the Second Floor Advisory Committee 2012-2013

The Board of Governors charged the Second Floor Advisory Committee (SFAC) with the following responsibilities:

Get Creative on the Use of Mix-Use Space

During its time, SFAC continued revisiting ways to best utilize the mix-use space that makes up 20 percent of the second floor. Initial recommendations included printing services, monitors, kiosks, poster making, and whiteboards. In addition, they explored possibilities of creating new student jobs (e.g. graphic and web design). Student groups on the second floor desired access to a secure server as part of services from Student Unions & Activities to localize and backup data storage.

Encouraged Sharing Space on the Second Floor

The SFAC agreed to include one to three offices per unit based on the needs of each cultural center and their assigned square feet. SFAC should first consult with architects based on the floor plan and then seek support from cultural centers. The idea is to encourage cultural centers to allocate secure offices to additional student groups. Regardless, cultural centers, commuter connection, and the student government are encouraged to share their space with student groups not housed on the second floor. This is to be reflected in the minimum criteria for receiving space on the second floor.

Inventory all Murals for Appropriate Preservation

All murals were identified and captured by camera for SUA’s records. SFAC determined which murals were preserved by professional photography. The feasibility of preserving murals through wall removal and peeling technique was assessed. However, the Policy Committee recommended avoiding these techniques because of high risk for collateral damage. The painting of new murals and artwork was explored further by the SFAC.

Revise the General Criteria for Space Allocation

The following guidelines were put into place:

  1. Student groups will reapply for space on a biennial basis (every two years).
  2. The application process will be set up so that it is on the off year of the Board of Governors fees proposal.
  3. The tenants will be expected to turn in a report and complete or informal presentation during the off year of the space allocation process.
  4. The tenants will be sorted into a green, yellow, or red performance list, based on the criteria formulated by SFAC.
  5. In addition to the current guidelines, it was proposed that the SFAC look at the following items when considering allocation (or re-evaluation/reapplication) of units on the second floor:
  • Office logs or any proof of continued use of the space
  • Membership size and rate of increase or decline
  • Number of years in existence at the University
  • Goals of organization for upcoming academic year
  • Office hours must be made visible outside the office
  • Programs, events, and/or services which support University’s core values
  • Collaborative nature of the organization and sharing space
  • Commitment to diversity and appreciation of differences
  • Longevity of the organization (future stability)
  • Mission of the organization complements SUA and the University’s mission