Posted: February 25, 2009

1. Across-the-board raise for faculty
2. Brine solution for ice control
3. Open a surplus store
4. Install garbage-to-energy units
5. Travel meals as employee responsibility
6. Base temperature settings on occupancy
7. Volunteer power monitors
8. Cost analysis of campus shuttle
9. Prevent dripping faucets
10. Update online trustees minutes
    
    
    1. A writer advocated a lump sum raise for all faculty across the board, given the limited funds for increasing their salaries. Such a raise would give those at the lower end of the pay spectrum an increase that keeps up with inflation.
       
       The suggestion is being shared with the chief financial officer to consider when the budget situation improves. With the economic uncertainty facing the University, merit increases may not be awarded this year. That will be a determination for the Board of Trustees to make this spring amid many tough financial decisions.
       
       
    2. A writer recommended use of a brine solution for ice control on sidewalks, saying it would be cheaper than rock salt and less destructive than salt on building floors and other infrastructure.
       
       The proposal has been forwarded to Facilities Services, which uses brine solution as a pre-spray before snow and ice storms to help keep roadways and sidewalks safe. Grounds is always seeking an economical alternative to rock salt to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff for safe walking conditions.
       
       
    3. A writer proposed that BGSU open a surplus store, noting that while an auction of surplus equipment is held annually now, many small items thrown in the daily trash could generate modest revenue—and save on landfill disposal costs.
       
       The suggestion has been forwarded to Materials Handling, which, in addition to its public auction each summer, has been using Web-based auction sites to sell selected surplus items to a broader audience.
       
       
    4. A writer recommended looking into garbage-to-energy units that are sized for a building. Such units were initially designed for the military, to take care of garbage on site.
       
       The suggestion has been forwarded to Facilities Services and the Environmental Programs department, which, over the last seven years, have jointly evaluated various sustainable technologies that could be utilized on campus. The use of biodiesel in our Grounds equipment is a product of this collaboration.
       
       
    5. A writer proposed elimination of reimbursement for meals when traveling for the University.
       
       The suggestion has been forwarded to the Business Office and Human Resources for review. This is one way that staff could help save operating dollars. As with most problems, though, there is no one solution; it will be the culmination of the efforts of many people who do many things to save resources that will help the University through these difficult financial times.
       
       
    6. Fine-tuning the classroom arrangement and temperature setting for each building on campus was one writer’s recommendation.
       
       The idea of training faculty and staff to properly adjust thermostats has been forwarded to Facilities Services. Starting next fiscal year, BGSU will be investing in energy control systems that will further enhance our ability to reduce energy utilization in our buildings. The University will be able to raise and lower temperatures automatically based upon room occupancy or time of day.
       
       
    7. A writer advocated for volunteer power monitors in each building, saying they could turn off lights in empty classrooms or buildings when they are able, or alert coworkers on ways to save electricity, such as turning off computers overnight and on weekends.
       
       The suggestion has been forwarded to Facilities Services, whose Power Down campaign has asked students, faculty and staff to turn off lights when they leave an unoccupied room. Starting next fiscal year, BGSU will be investing in energy control systems that will further enhance our ability to reduce energy utilization in our buildings. Occupancy sensors will be installed to automatically operate lighting fixtures. In addition, ITS is evaluating a software feature that will automatically turn off computers, with the ability for the user to quickly restart the unit.
       
       
    8. A cost-benefit analysis of the campus shuttle service was proposed by one writer.
       
       The suggestion has been forwarded to Public Safety for review. The value of the shuttle service to students has been evaluated several times since it was implemented. The shuttle provides service to over 500,000 riders each year without using state-subsidy or general-fee funding. Student support has remained high, with requests over the last few years for expansion to other areas of the community to address student needs.
       
       
    9. A writer recommended installation of push-down, self-closing faucets in restrooms.
       
       The suggestion has been forwarded to Facilities Services for pricing and evaluation. Leaking valves should be reported to the Facilities Services work order center at 2-2151 or submitted online at www.bgsu.edu/offices/facilities/.
       
       
    10. A writer suggested updating the board of trustees' minutes online.
        
        The Web site with Board of Trustees minutes has been updated through the October 2008 meeting. See http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/president/page539.html. Minutes from the December 2008 meeting were approved at the Feb. 27 meeting and will be posted online.

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