February 2009

02.09.01
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

Suggestion # 1 - The suggestion box should be updated more than once a month and those suggestions that are submitted but do not receive a response should still be posted. Perhaps if all suggestions were posted regardless of response it might make some departments more likely to respond so their department doesn't look bad.

Suggestion # 2 - Even if there is not response given to a suggestion it should still be posted on the suggestion board with a note that no suggestion was received after the suggestion was forwarded onto the appropriate faculty member.

Forwarded to - Kevin Kimball, CPA, AVP for Financial Affairs.

Response - Thank you for your suggestions, not all submissions are posted to the website. This is what is stated on the Suggestion Box website - "Statements directed at specific personnel or departments may not be posted publicly, but forwarded to the appropriate individual." There are also some submissions that departments have not responded too, the Cabinet is working on updating the process of answering the submissions so look for some changes to the Suggestion Box website in the near future.

02.09.02
Subject - Thinking of You Program

Forwarded to - Richard DeShields, Senior Director University Housing and New Student Programs

Response - The Residence Hall Association does do this program as a fundraiser for it's student leadership programs. This program operates in the Fall and Spring Quarters and letters are sent home to family members of the students. The parents then choose the pack that they believe fits their student the best. Kits range from more healthy snacks to more candy and snack food items. We actually had close to 400 orders this past quarter and have found the program to be successful and also contributes back to this student organization and programs on campus.

Thanks for inquiring regarding this program.

02.09.03
Subject - Pets and Housing at CWU

What are the options for students who want to have their dog with them while they attend CWU besides the grove? And, why does the university not allow any on-campus options for small dog and cat owning students?

Here are some articles you may find very interesting about pets in colleges...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28814566/.(please watch the video in the below link with the student interviews)

http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/collegesopentofamilypetsfindbe

I was just wondering because getting a dog is a high priority for me.

Thanks!

forwarded to - Richard DeShields, Senior Director University Housing and New Student Programs

Response - Thank you for your inquiry. University Housing and New Student Programs is continually assessing our services for students who live on campus. Currently, housing supports the Washington Authority Code guide that indicates, "No animals, except identified service dogs and aquarium-bound fish, are allowed in university-operated buildings. Aquarium-bound fish must be in tanks no larger than 25 gallons."

Because of the proximity to other students who may be affected negatively from animals, including a variety of concerns ranging from noise and allergy, to the concern of our maintenance and custodial staff who have to turn around rooms extremely quickly, we support this policy.

We currently are reviewing this policy.

02.09.04
Subject - Past Suggestion

Hello, on February 26, 2009 I made this suggestion/plea a couple of months ago, and never heard a word. I don't know to whom I should direct it to.

New buildings are rising north of the Music Building. I hope that the lighting on the outside respects the growing importance of dark skies. Lights should be placed so the light is directed downwards; they should be shaded so light doesn't escape to the skies.

I hope this is the plan.

Thanks,

forwarded to - Bruce Porter, Director, Business Services & Contracts

Response - All suggestions are responded to by the person in the department that is responsible for the service. In this case, Mr. Bill Yarwood, Interim Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management responded and the submission and response were posted to the Suggestion Box website in December 2008. The email address and/or name of the person submitting the suggestion is not revealed in the Suggestion Box submission, so no personal responses can be made to the person making the request.

The response is available for viewing at: December 2008 Suggestions & Responses.