The university's true concern and monetary involvement in the future plans of the Multicultural Center and Program came into question Wednesday at a public forum.
Douglas McConkey, vice president of student affairs, Kay Bales, vice president of Student Life, and DeRick Virgil, director of the Multicultural Center spent an hour answering questions and addressing concerns posed by students.
Nataki Sanders, political affairs director of BSA, expressed her concern for the future funding of the Multicultural Center by saying Ball State has not given enough attention to the development of the center.
"If the university isn't backing the Multicultural Center, it looks like the university doesn't care," Sanders said.
Bales said the Multicultural Center receives $7,000 in funding for the fiscal year. The Black Student Association, Asian American Student Association, and Latino Student Union combined receive $37,000 a year.
When the three student organizations were separated from the Multicultural Center by the university, they lost funds that the organizations brought into the center.
Now, staff and activists at the Multicultural Center question whether or not Ball State's Strategic Plan will be set into visible motion. The Strategic Plan is set to utilize the $1,000 increase in tuition as well as a plan to move the Multicultural Center into the new Student Center.
Students are concerned by the immediate future of the Multicultural Center as there is no set date to begin the construction of the new Student Center, let alone complete it.
As the Art and Journalism Building was in the beginning stages of construction, the original plan was to move the Multicultural Center into the old bookstore, which is now occupied by the Student Art Gallery. Student surveys showed moving the Multicultural Center to the Student Center was strongly opposed, Bales said.
SGA President Tolu Olowomeye said the 25 plus students present at the public forum was an acceptable turnout, and the panelists offered more clarity on Ball State's plans for the Multicultural Center, while allowing students an outlet to express their needs and concerns.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
