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| Hill Street Blues: The East side of the Hill Street Parking Structure
faces the construction site of Sam Wyly Hall, where workers are backfilling
foundation for the new B-school building. About 60 parking spaces along
the East side of the parking deck will be unusable for two years.
Photo by Andres Piacentino |
by Steven L. Pessagno, MBA2
Talk about making a bad situation worse.
When construction began on the B-school's Sam Wyly Hall, University Parking Services informed permit parkers that approximately 60 spaces would be put off limits in the 380-space Hill Street Parking Structure.
That much was planned.
However, the parking officials, construction workers, and Hill Street parkers didn't know that the structure had incurred "structural degradation caused by conditions over the years," according to Brent Chrite, who is in charge of Facilities at UMBS.
Ironically, this damage--which seems to be unrelated to the Wyly construction--may have gone unnoticed had contractors on the Wyly job not requested an inspection of the Structure. Asked if this were the case, Chrite responded, "That's the question I have not gotten an answer for."
No Laughing Matter
As a result, Parking Services ordered UMBS Facilities to get every car off the top level of the Structure while emergency repairs are being made. In addition, a few additional spots on each floor have been taken off-line for the repairs, leaving 140 out of 380 spaces off limits.
"That's a tremendous impact. It's laughable in a sense," Chrite remarked with a chuckle just before turning serious, "except that it's really a serious problem." Chrite noted that lack of parking does impact quality of life for some faculty and staff members, especially those with daycare obligations.
Parking is known to be a problem at most large universities, and Michigan is no exception. Those who pay $400 for a regular permit (assigned the color blue) simply pay for the option to park in any of the University's structures. They are not guaranteed a space. Only gold permits ($800) guarantees a spot when he or she enters a particular parking structure.
"There was a time," Chrite explained, "when the University swore it would never erect another parking structure." Costing over $1,000 per space, not including maintenance, parking decks tend to be viewed as cost prohibitive by academic institutions. "But the flack had gotten so thick that the University is now going to build a new structure" on Huron Street across from the Central Campus Recreation Building.
Longlasting Headaches
But this will do nothing to alleviate matters here on South Campus. Hill Street must serve the faculty and staff of the B-school, the Law School, and the schools of Education and Public Policy. Chrite added, "The School of Social Work is just about to open up the street--and all those people will want to park here."
From Chrite's perspective, this causes a dilemma: the structure is not a B-school structure, "yet it is so convenient . . . we are the primary customers." The majority of the permit holders who are allowed to park in the Hill Street Structure on weekdays are affiliated with the B-school. UMBS students are known to use the facility for parking after-hours and on the weekend--for the sake of both convenience and safety. Whether a parking crunch will result during nonpermit hours remains to be seen.
As the Facilities point person, Chrite has fielded plenty of irate phone calls. (Permit holders were informed in May of the planned reduction of 60 spaces; applications for permits for the 1997-1998 academic year were due last week.)
Put simply, what is "usually a firestorm is now a wind-aided firestorm....The plan is to have the [emergency] work done by next week, but it doesn't look like it will happen that quickly."
When the emergency repairs are finished, returning 80 or so spaces to the Structure, the migraines that South Campus parkers are surely now enduring will simply downgrade to headaches. The Wyly construction will require that the 60 spaces along the Structure's East side to remain out of commission for the duration of the two-year construction project.
Sam Wyly Hall will be so close to the Hill Street Parking Structure that it will be sharing foundation with the Structure. Wyly Hall will need special support beams that will require a more solid foundation. Therefore, the construction workers must "backfill" the foundation for these beams. In essence, they've had to knock out part of the structure's wall at ground level on the East side and literally dig inches out from underneath the Structure.
Allowing persons to utilize the 60 East side parking spots would have put too much weight on the side of the Structure where the foundation has been compromised by the Wyly construction. In fact, the contractors did not want any cars in the structure because cars may potentially be damaged by debris.
A Parking Alternative That Flopped
In another ironic twist, the B-school has discontinued a shuttle service operated by the University's Transportation Services that dropped passengers in front of the B-school last year. The shuttle served as an alternative to another Transportation Services' shuttle that dumps passengers in front of the Michigan Union--a good 10-minute walk from the B-school.
However, contracting the shuttle "cost a lot of money," explained Chrite, "and virtually no one used it, so I stopped it." (UMBS paid approximately $40,000 per month--a fee that covered the bus, driver, and insurance.)
Surely now the demand has swelled.
However, Chrite expressed "serious, serious reservations" about starting another shuttle service. There are two reasons.
First, Transportation Services now only has shuttles available for contract during non-peak times, which is of little use to B-school staff and faculty.
Then, second, the only other alternative is for the B-school to provide the service itself. As Chrite sees it, "The last thing a business school needs to be doing is developing a bus service, and it's certainly not cost efficient."
An Unfortunate Situation
So, for now--and for the next two years--those who usually rely on the Hill Street parking structure for their parking may be in luck one day and out the next. There's still the Michigan Union shuttle. There's another University parking structure behind the Union, further away from the B-school, on Thompson.
Chrite maintained that permit parkers shouldn't have trouble finding a spot in the Hill Street structure if they arrive early enough--basically by 8 a.m.
"As I said, this is a major issue, especially for those with daycare obligations. Unfortunately, it's a situation we can't do much about . . . except to point [commuters] to alternatives...and to stress that if you come in early, you're fine. Just don't leave."
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| Teamwork: Incoming MBA students participate in team-building
exercises during orientation.
Photos by Gregory Fox |
Throughout the five-day Leadership Development Program (a.k.a., orientation), students thoughts and ideas about business, learning, leadership, diversity, and community service were challenged through team-based activities, individual reflection, and a variety of speakers. John Steele, Director of Group Personnel at British Telecom, spoke about leadership. Roberta Gutman, Vice President and Director of Global Diversity at Motorola, provided her views on the global diversity imperative. Bob Knowling, Vice President of Network Operations at U S West, Inc., and Eleanor Josaitis, co-founder of Focus Hope, concluded the global citizenship segment with their thoughts on what community service really means.
These business and community leaders' thoughts and ideas were a significant part of the daily segments led by UMBS Professor Noel Tichy. Students were challenged to develop their "teachable points of view" on leadership and became quite familiar with the G.R.P.I. framework after each of their activities. If you aren't quite sure what that is, talk to any first-year.
A common theme--best summarized by Knowling--was the imperative to "put skin in the game." When asked whether U S West would support the UMBS Habitat for Humanity effort to build a house in Ann Arbor this fall, Knowling declined. Instead, his response to the MBAs, who had completed a day of community service, was a pledge of his own time and financial support in building the house. The most poignant example of "putting skin in the game" came from Josaitis as she described the social fallout that resulted from her and her husband's decision to move their family into Detroit to help rebuild following the 1967 riots. Most people would not have been able to withstand the ridicule from family and friends that she and her husband endured for standing up for something they believed in so strongly. However, their strength turned out to be critical to her joint efforts with Father William T. Cunningham in making Focus Hope a model for urban improvement and renewal.
This year's MBA orientation closed with an introduction to the Executive Skills program. In addition, MBA1s had the opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned during the week and to complete assessments of themselves and teammates with respect to issues ranging from team skills to the value of diversity. Instead of waiting weeks to obtain results and using several thousand sheets of paper, this year's class completed the assessment on-line in order to receive feedback in realtime.
As in past years, MBA2s facilitated orientation. The vast majority of these individuals had taken the inaugural offering of OB618, Leading a Learning Organization, taught by Paula Caproni and Graham Mercer. One lesson from the course was that as access to markets, information, and capital quickens, a firm's competitive advantage derives from its ability to learn faster than the competition. A second lesson was the opportunity to learn, lead, and leave a legacy. Interestingly enough, many MBA2s revealed the fact that they got as much out of facilitating this year's orientation as they did going through it last year.
Approximately 35 BBA2s facilitated this year's two-day orientation for
320 BBA1s. Taking in customer feedback from last year's orientation, the
administration reduced this year's BBA orientation from four to two days.
Dean White welcomed the incoming BBAs on August 28, who then lunched with
faculty members, participated in team-building exercises and met with a
panel comprised of faculty members and BBA2s to discuss the transition
from other areas of U-M to UMBS. The following day featured the Career
TREK, during which BBA1s were introduced to the inner workings of OCD.
Another Career TREK will take place for BBAs this fall. According to Sapna
Chadha, BBA2, who served on the student/faculty panel, "Orientation was
really drawn out before. I think it worked well this year."
Upon the announcement that Judith Goodman, Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions and Student Services, will retire from the University in the near future, Deans B. Joseph White and Edward A. Snyder announced that Jeanne Wilt will assume the role of Director of Admissions and Placement in May 1998.
In this newly created position, Wilt will spearhead the administration's "flow of talent" concept. In a September 3 announcement to the UMBS community, the deans shared their vision that "this concept recognizes that we manage a 'pipeline' of student talent from initial recruiting and admission, through education and development, to placement of our graduates in companies, other organizations, and their own entrepreneurial ventures."
While the basic functions of what is currently Admissions and Student Services and the Office of Career Development (OCD), of which Wilt is the current director, will remain the same, the administration seeks to "encourage a more unified approach to marketing our programs, managing the administrative process, providing administrative and professional development to our students, strengthening our corporate relationships, and providing excellent counseling services." It also was announced that Natalie Grinblatt, currently with Admissions and Student Services, and Al Catrone, currently with OCD, will report to Wilt under the new organization and have been named to the School's Quality Council.
As members of the University of Michigan Business School community may be concerned and confused about events that transpired last Spring regarding the leadership of the Student Government Association, The MSJ invited the SGA Executive Board to issue a statement updating the UMBS community on the current status of the situation, as well as to answer specific questions pertaining to the Board's actions and how they may still be impacting the functioning of the Board.
Student Government Association Executive Board Statement to the UMBS Community:
The Executive Board (E-Board) has undergone a significant internal challenge since taking office last spring. The challenge has undoubtedly impacted the E-Board's teamwork. We strongly feel that the UMBS community should possess an accurate understanding of the facts, and has an opportunity to read our plans for addressing the situation and that we communicate our ongoing objectives and plans. Unless otherwise indicated, the following statements have been jointly developed by both parties in the issue, which include Mr. Kagolanu (President) and the remaining members of the E-Board: Kofi Bruce (VP, MBA Affairs), Reem Anani (VP, BBA Affairs), David Hudson (VP, Finance), and Kelly Hutchison (VP Communications). The statements are intended to help explain the current situation of the E-Board.
MSJ: What was officially decided at the end of last year regarding the SGA Board's call for the resignation of its president, who was voted such by the UMBS student body?
SGA: Due to actions pursued last spring by the President-elect, Kishore Kagolanu, the remaining members of the incoming E-Board decided to request a letter of resignation from Mr. Kagolanu. The rationale for the request stems from two issues. First, Mr. Kagolanu's intent to study abroad for part of his second year at UMBS raised a concern among the E-board that this would interfere with his ability to adequately perform the duties of President. Second, during the course of events and discussions taken by all parties to address the issue, Mr. Kagolanu's behavior breached the trust of the remaining members. (In an effort to advance the discussion, The MSJ will not reiterate all the facts surrounding last spring's events. Individuals interested in the facts can turn to The MSJ's summer issue).
The remaining members of the E-Board assessed the feasibility of Mr. Kagolanu studying abroad and serving as President and determined that, under criteria outlined in the UMBS Student Government Association constitution-- specifically failure to attend (future) E-Board meetings--Mr. Kagolanu cannot concurrently study abroad and effectively administer the duties of SGA President. Mr. Kagolanu feels that the two options are not mutually exclusive.
Assessment by the remaining members of the E-Board found the "Officer's conduct unbecoming." Under this finding, and following procedures outlined by the UMBS constitution, the E-Board presented an official request for resignation to Mr. Kagolanu. Mr. Kagolanu contested the request before the Central Student Judiciary (CSJ), which has authority over students enrolled at schools in the University of Michigan system. The CSJ issued a restraining order that prevented any further action on the E-Board's request for resignation. The CSJ later held a hearing and nullified the E-Board's original request for Mr. Kagolanu's resignation, not by rejecting the merits of the request, but by ascertaining that the UMBS constitution does not protect an individual's rights to due process of law.
The decision of the CSJ, made during the last week of April immediately prior to summer break, still stands.
MSJ: Where does the case currently stand with the Central Student Judiciary?
SGA: Currently, there are no plans to appeal the decision of the CSJ since [sic] all members of the E-Board are committed to resolve this issue. However, there is an intent by all members of the E-Board to revise the UMBS constitution to ensure that in the future individuals are provided due process of law. Early plans have revolved around a constitutional committee. Input from members of the UMBS community on this matter are welcomed.
MSJ: Mr. Kagolanu, how do you respond to students who believe you should have stepped aside for the good of SGA because your decision to enroll in the exchange program constituted a serious conflict with your commitment to UMBS as SGA President?
MR. KAGOLANU: The events during the last semester had left every one of us in a difficult position. Your question reflects the anxieties of the UMBS community over the swift movement of events. I believe my commitment to the UMBS community will be reflected more by my energy and my ideas that will be implemented, and less by my absence during a window of time between January-February. More important, however, than my belief is the belief of the UMBS community. Looking ahead, I am very confident that we will be able to resolve this conflict fully and forge ahead with renewed vigor. The year ahead will be filled with activities like:
* "Taste of culture" for cross cultural interaction
* Student leadership awards
* Community fund raisingactivities
* Work on facilities enhancement
* Spring Swing for students
* Renewed focus to enhance student gifts to the UMBS community
All these activities will provide opportunities to actively engage and interface with the UMBS community. Through the year, we will be able to define experiences that reflects the energies and aspirations of every one of us. I feel these experiences will provide opportunities to cross the doubts of the past and build relationships for the future. I look forward to participating in the opportunities that the future holds.
MSJ: In retrospect, how would you (the Board) have handled this matter differently, if at all? How has the situation affected your group functioning? Will it affect your ability to move forward?
SGA: Both sides of the issue, the remaining members of the E-Board and Mr. Kagolanu, are jointly seeking a solution that will provide unified and consistent leadership for the UMBS community. This joint effort will require our explicit discussion of the rationale for past actions in the context of leadership and community service. Both sides of the issue feel that the needs and concerns of the UMBS community outweigh those of individual members on the SGA E-Board. We have scheduled meetings with Susan Mills, Team Facilitator for the Multidisciplinary Action Project teams, to help facilitate discussion and cooperative resolution of the issue. The E-Board has made resolution of this issue the highest priority. The E-Board's objective is to implement a mutually acceptable resolution by the third week of school.
The E-Board has been able to address immediate and ongoing UMBS projects and community needs, including: incoming student orientation, facilities management and improvement, locker raffle, coursepack evaluation forms, club charters and funding.
In retrospect, there are many things the SGA E-Board could have, and should have, done differently. The E-Board issue went before the CSJ during final exams last spring and all individuals involved were pressed for time. We had to move rapidly to try and resolve the issue before summer break and the arrival of new students. Regardless of the time pressures we all felt, it would have been wiser and more beneficial to all parties and communities involved to have engaged in more communication. Communication should have been better between both E-Board parties and between the E-Board and the UMBS community. We believe that this communication would have helped foster a more equitable resolution of the issue before binding actions were taken.
MSJ: The perception exists that the SGA Board is not unified, and some persons understandably wonder whether SGA's efficacy as a leadership organization has been damaged beyond repair. How do you respond to such criticism?
SGA: As leaders of the UMBS community, we are committed to improving the welfare and serving the needs of the UMBS community. Going forward, we, the UMBS community, have a very challenging and exciting year before us. Business school rankings are at the forefront of everyone's concern, as are academics, recruiting and community involvement.
The E-Board plans to address those concerns by sponsoring events that promote opportunities for leadership and for individuals to contribute in meaningful ways. We will serve community needs through the following actions: facilities management, formation and administration of academic committees, managing the student leadership conference, fostering cross-cultural events and promoting UMBS involvement and interaction with outside communities.
The entire E-Board firmly believes that leadership can only be fairly evaluated on the basis of actions taken. Therefore, we are entirely focused on efforts to expediently resolve this issue. We give you this firm commitment so that the entire SGA and UMBS community can move forward.
MSJ: Finally, what is SGA's overarching mission? What general goals have you set as a group to accomplish this year, building upon the example and initiativves of your predecessor Board?
SGA: Overall, the E-Board objectives of community support, improvement and service are best served by providing an open and effective interface between the UMBS administration, faculty and student body. Specifically, we intend to improve interaction with communities outside the Business School, address shortfalls in the current UMBS constitution, engage in events and efforts that advance the UMBS academic and leadership experience, facilitate social and cross-cultural interaction, manage facilities, and finally (but not lastly) sustain and improve the reputation of the nation's #2 MBA Program and #1 BBA Program to external audiences by creating and communicating success stories in leadership.
Although the immediate rewards of a single "session" may be difficult to discern, as with exercise, community service offers the greatest tangible benefits to those who incorporate volunteering into their work, school and family rituals. Much like exercise consultants, the officers of Global Citizenship, the Business School's volunteer and community consulting club, offer students the opportunity to customize individual volunteer programs for the upcoming school year.
The aim of Global Citizenship is to facilitate, rather than to dictate community service. Once you have consciously decided that you wish to volunteer this term, drop by one of our meetings or speak with your section's Global Citizenship representative to learn about available opportunities in Ann Arbor or the Greater Detroit region. Whatever your interest might be, there is a community service agency in the area eager to make use of your talents.
In fact, just to prove this point, Global Citizenship has invited several local non-profit organizations to tout their programs in the Student Lounge between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17. Students are encouraged to meet and discuss volunteer opportunities with the delegates from the dozen or so organizations that will be represented at the Global Citizenship Fair.
Many other projects are in the works for the upcoming year. To learn about any and all of these community service activities, please attend Global Citizenship's new and returning students orientation meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 6:00-7:00 p.m., in room B0215. Global Citizenship representatives as well as students interested in getting involved in programming and participating in community service endeavors this year are especially encouraged to attend.
The following our some announcements of upcoming events and meetings that may be of interest:
* If dabbling in construction is your cup of tea, then UMBS Supports Habitat for Humanity has good news for you. On September 19, Habitat will organize a workday, during which all interested students can help construct a home for a needy family in Ypsilanti. Response to the program has been so phenomenal that others dates for volunteering have been set up as well. To learn more about the project, attend the Habitat meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 8, in room B1270 or contact Rohit Bery (beryr@umich.edu).
* The Scarlett Middle School tutoring program will soon commence its annual program with the B-school. Returning and new students are encouraged to get involved in this fun activity, which requires only an hour-long commitment per week during the term. For further information, please contact Martha Lunbeck (mlunbeck@umich.edu).
* Global Citizenship will soon be launching its Community Consulting pilot program. This is an excellent résumé builder that is sure to bolster your consulting expertise. Four to six participants are required, although this number will likely next semester. For further information on this exciting new program, please contact Diane LoMonaco (dilomona@umich.edu).