Student Government presidential candidates Colorado Robertson and Dixon McMakin attended a forum Wednesday night in the University Student Recreational Complex to outline their plans for the UREC. Both candidates agreed the UREC should transfer to a card-free access system. McMakin suggested switching to a fingerprint system. “A lot of times people come here, they lose their cards or forget where they place it, or they lost it the day before and they can’t get into the UREC,” McMakin said. “We want a way for students to get into the UREC without their card.” Robertson said a fingerprint scanning system will pose cost and privacy issues. “Whenever you have to put someone’s fingerprint into a database, they don’t always enjoy that,” Robertson said. The UREC will be testing a system this summer where students are allowed to use their student ID number at the front desk if they forget their card. This system may be implemented with a one-time use stipulation, but Roberston suggested increasing that number. McMakin also talked about plans to install cameras in the UREC to monitor the exercise machines. McMakin said students will be able to access these images online to see if machines are available. “You shouldn’t have to show up from your house 15 to 20 minutes away, and all the machines are in use,” McMakin said. Robertson addressed UREC parking concerns, saying there is a possibility of using land from the LSU Agricultural Center to create more parking. About 20 students attended and asked about the candidates’ plans to fund club sports, which includes rugby and lacrosse. Robertson suggested generating additional revenue for funding by building a bistro or coffee shop outside the UREC. Both candidates said a fee increase to generate revenue will not be immediately turned down.
—-Contact Katie Kennedy at [email protected]