World won’t end in 2012
Welcome to 2012.
The arrival of a shiny, new year means it’s time to ponder making some changes — yep, the dreaded New Year’s resolution.
By now you’ve probably thought of at least one thing you’d like to do differently this year, and maybe even reneged on a few others.
You’re not the only one.
Mount Royal University’s top brass have been thinking of ways to improve this year. Some of those resolutions will come to fruition, while others may not necessarily turn out as planned.
Here are some changes to watch for around campus in 2012 and beyond:
Starting in the fall, students will be able to withdraw from courses online. School administrators are also looking at putting a “sober second thoughts” policy in place to allow students who withdraw online — in haste, anger or drunkenness — a chance to change their minds within 24 hours.
Also on the bill, the fee for health and dental coverage from the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University will go up by $11 in the 2012/13 fiscal year, making it a total of $123.50 per full-time student, per semester. The hike is caused by an expected increase in the number of students using it. The fee went up 18 per cent last year.
The new library has been David Docherty’s No. 1 priority since taking the presidential reins. School officials will be licking their chops if Alison Redford stays in office following a spring election. Her ideas on providing stable, three-year funding cycles would go a long way towards footing the bill on the massive $85.8 million project.
Speaking of money, the coffers aren’t exactly overflowing. MRU is projecting a shortfall for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years, according to the Comprehensive Institutional Plan. If they don’t receive an increase in grant support of about four per cent for each year they’ll need to look at belt-tightening by adjusting programs and services.
Things that won’t change in 2012:
Parking will suck.
Low turnout in the Students’ Association elections.
Students whining about being stressed.
The Hub will continue bleeding money.
Oh yea, and the world won’t end.
Probably.
