Students gathered in the Student Union Ballroom TuesSday night for the October meeting of "Straight from the Source," an event where students can ask UConn administrators anything they want.
Students voiced their concerns on a variety of topics ranging from plans to install a new pizza oven in the Student Union to Huskymail's recent malfunctions.
"A bid for a new oven has been awarded," said Dennis Pierce, the director of dining services.
Pierce added that the new oven's installation is tentatively scheduled for Thanksgiving break, but may require more time due to several severe logistical issues.
Most of the students' concern was directed at Huskymail's continual unreliability. A few shared their own Huskymail horror stories.
"Your e-mail system should be dependable and robust and work for you," said John R. Saddlemire, vice president of student affairs. "I wish I could say this is the first time we've heard it."
One student suggested that UConn should switch their e-mail provider from Squirrel Mail to Google, noting that many students have their Huskymail accounts automatically forward mail to their Gmail anyway.
Jason Ortiz, a 6th-semester communications major, questioned Steve Kramer, executive director of residential life, about UConn's canvassing policy. His contention was with the university's refusal to allow issue-based canvassing.
"If I wanted to canvass on health care or clean energy, I would not be allowed to do that," said Ortiz. "I don't think that is consistent with our first amendment rights."
Ortiz also raised concerns with dining service's policy about placing table tent advertisements.
Table tents are the small plastic advertisement holders usually found on dining hall tables.
He was concerned about the cost of placing ads in the tents - which is currently well over $200. This price applies to ads held for a two-week period.
"We haven't raised that price in four years," said Pierce, noting that the program requires significant upkeep costs.
A resident of Hilltop Apartments raised concerns about the university's decision to not issue a security alert about a hate crime that was allegedly committed in Wheeler Hall about two weeks ago.
The board maintained that the university was hesitant to release any information because the incident was still under investigation.
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