Construction on the newly approved south campus green space will begin within a month’s time.

The $700,000 green space renovation project was approved by the board of trustees at a meeting held in late March.

The renovation work will be done over the summer while there are no students on south campus to interfere with construction while the remodeling of the Rock will be underway.

The south campus green space will consist of a large, flat, irrigated recreation field, a number of outdoor seating areas, a volleyball court and an amphitheater. These amenities were all requested by students through a number of town hall meetings last fall.

This renovation project will serve to meet the initiatives of the new FSU Master Plan which was released earlier this year. One of the goals is to increase the number of common gathering areas throughout campus and to better utilize outdoor space.

Mike Hughes, associate vice president of the FSU physical plant said, “This construction project will be funded by the university and special funding from President Dave Eisler.”

When Eisler began at Ferris he set aside funds to improve the landscaping on south campus to make it more cohesive with the rest of the campus.

While the surface of the area will be transformed, workers will also replace the power supply network that currently runs underground through the space. Hughes said, “We are very lucky that those utilities have held up as long as they have, as they are 25 years behind in their replacement schedule.”

Another change that will transform campus over the summer is re-landscaping the strip of land that runs between the front of south campus’ residence halls and State Street.

Karen Simmon, green space project manager, said, “Right now there is a clear line between the landscaping on either side of the business building. It is our intention to unify the campus by landscaping more of south campus.”

FSU student Nick Porritt, a Pickell hall resident, said, “I am excited to have the new green space next fall and will probably use the benches and the field often.”

Lori Helmer, director of dining services said, “Last fall when we were gathering input from students the number one request was to have a large field to play around on and we are giving them that.” In addition she felt that one student described the south campus space best as “Ferris’ backyard.”

The contracts for the project were released last Wednesday and plans are underway with final preparations.

“With the renovation projects throughout campus this summer, Ferris will be spending roughly $1.5 million a month from April through August,” said Hughes.

When class resumes in the fall the student body should be able to see the completed green space which will be seeded with grass and take a season to establish growth.

The seating areas and walking paths should be ready for immediate use.

Students who wish to view the renderings for what the space is projected to look like can do so on the dining services Web page. There is a link on the homepage of the site entitled “green space rendering presentation.”

Editor's note: This is part II of a two part series on things to do around Big Rapids.

“It’s like a Chuck E. Cheese with beer,” said Big Rapids resident Steve Brooks about The Gate Entertainment Center.

For some, The Gate has more to offer than just a bar scene. Structured like the Dave and Busters restaurant chain, The Gate features a game room with arcade games. There are also 18 lanes for all ages bowling.

Located on 706 Perry Ave, The Gate has DJ's and live music on Thursday nights and throughout the weekend. Rock, Hip-hop, and country are some of the genres featured for their live music acts.

Students can also enjoy karaoke on Thursday nights, battle of the bands events, and theme parties. Steve Leggett, Gate owner, said it will be having a bull-riding contest in April.

Two-dollar bowling Monday through Thursday is a favorite for many students, however the $5 per hour per lane Sunday nights could keep the student on a budget bowling for hours. “Sunday nights are really popular nights,” said Leggett. “A person could bowl seven games in one hour.”

The Gate has a cover charge of two dollars on Friday and Saturday after 9 p.m., which includes a free game of bowling.

Judy Wilson, who was visting her FSU business and special education major daughters, had nothing but good words to say about the Gate.

“As a visitor to Big Rapids, I was impressed by this place,” said Wilson. “It’s just good clean fun.”

Although the Gate offers students a variety of fun, some students prefer the low keys atmosphere of the Scoreboard. Students can enjoy inexpensive drink specials coupled with dollar pizza, grinders, and other comfort foods.

“It’s a good night in a beer joint,” said Jerry Lepoudre, Scoreboard owner.

Located on Maple Street, the Scoreboard also features a karaoke night on Friday and live bands once a month. Each event has a two dollar cover fee.

Students can request to play Nintendo Wii which features Wii bowling, golf, tennis, and darts. The Wii is free to use as long as customers provide a valid driver’s license and credit card.

“If they like a great atmosphere for anyone,” said Lepoudre. “It’s not too expensive and you can just have great time.”

In addition to fun inside the bar, Scoreboard has two annual events to keep the sport loving student entertained. The Road Race on April 25 is an all day scavenger hunt, with puzzles that leads you with clues. Four person teams are divided into 10 to 12 cars.

The golf outing on Aug. 15 is another all day event that awards winners. Proceeds for the Road Race will go to Humana food pantry while the golf outing will donate to the Hope Foundation.

Sign up for both events can be found in the Scoreboard.

Lepoudre sponsors soft ball leagues for men, women, and mixed teams that play at Vogel and Hemlock fields.

For free entertainment, Schuberg’s bar and grill features live Jazz music Friday and Saturday 6-10 p.m.

Many of the jazz acts feature Ferris State University professors. Sarah Nagel, philosophy and religion studies major thinks that Schuberg’s provides a relaxing atmosphere for students to interact with their professors.

She also thinks that if students do not like the jazz, Schuberg’s still has some of the area’s best food.

Robert Quist, FSU humanities professor, has been performing at Schuberg's for nearly two years.

“It’s a great place with a great sense of community.” said Quist.

Mary Loesch, Big Rapids resident, agrees with Quist and compared Schuberg’s to the Cheers bar in Boston, Mass.

“Who would have thought you could find such great music in here, “ said Loesh. “It’s a friendly place and everyone knows your name.”

According to Jeanie Baker, bartender and waitress, many of the performing professors give their students extra credit for their attendance.

Whatever motivates students, Schuberg’s has a lot to offer to both residents and students.

“It’s a great time for students to interact with teachers outside the classroom,” said Baker. “And a great place to have fun.”

Mid-semester Recess
From Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, April 12 there will be no classes due to mid-semester break. Classes will resume Monday, April 13.

Lunch and Learn: Elder Care - Paying for Long Term Care
On Thursday, April 9 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Rankin Center Centennial Dining Room the Ferris Foundation, the Office of Human Resources and the Emeriti Association presents Lauretta Murphy who will discuss current changes to the Michigan Medicaid Program. Lunch is provided and everyone is welcome. For more information contact Cheryl Holmen at x2391.

Artist Lecture and Reception
On Thursday, April 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Rankin Art Gallery the “Of Sand & Fire” artists Albert Young and Annette Baron will discuss their work and the glass making process. There will be a reception with refreshments and live music directly following. For more information contact Carrie Weis at x2536. The exhibit runs through the end of the month and is available for viewing on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Rankin Art Gallery.

Justice Week Activities
On Tuesday, April 14 at 7:45 p.m. in the Rankin Centennial Dining Room there will be a concert of prayer for modern day slaves. On Wednesday, April 15 in the Rankin Whitney Young Room there will be a movie showing of “The Day My God Died” followed by a speaker on modern day slaves. Look for milk jugs around campus to put your change in to help free modern day slaves. For more information contact Ashley Barrigar by email at barriga@ferris.edu

Stress Management
On Thursday, April 16 from 11 to 11:50 a.m. in Science 102 there will be a presentation on managing stress as a part of the Academic Support Center Speaker Series. There is no admission charge and everyone is invited to attend. For more information contact Julie Urick at x3543.

Energy - Where is Michigan Going?
On Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. in Williams Auditorium there will be an energy presentation concerning Michigan’s energy supply, wind energy and responding to the energy challenge. The awards for the student poster awards will also be presented. Admission for Ferris students, faculty and staff are invited free of admission. Non-student public cost for attendance is $10. For more information contact Shanee Ramsey at x5811.

EU Presents a 5 Star Event with Comedian and Lecturer “ANT”
On Thursday, April 16 at 8 p.m. in the Rankin Center Dome Room Entertainment Unlimited presents comedian ANT. ANT has preformed on The Tonight Show and is the current host of VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club. This event is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information contact Jalena Strayer at x2610.

Hit and Run
On March 30 at 4:30 p.m., there was a hit and run in Lot 4.

Funny Money
On March 9, there was a report of a fraud complaint about money from an RSO on campus. Investigation continues.

Traffic Stop
On March 28 at 9 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop for defective equipment on Perry Street. The driver had a warrant from another county and was arrested and lodged in the county jail.

Two-Car Accident
On March 28 at 11 p.m., there was a two-car accident in Lot 39. A car backed into a parked car.

Fire!!
On March 28 at 2 a.m., there was a report of a trash bin on fire near Lot 61. The fire was extinguished with no other damages.

Crazy Driving
On March 27 at 8 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle on State Street near Pine for reckless driving. The driver was lodged in the county jail.

Stolen Decal
On March 26 at 3:15 p.m., there was a report of a stolen parking decal from a motor vehicle in Lot 4.

Stolen Credit Card
On March 26 at 5:15 p.m., there was a report of a stolen credit card from Westview Dining Services. The investigation continues.

Can’t we Just Get Along
On March 26 at 2 p.m., officers assisted hall staff with a student conduct issue in Vandercook Hall.

Assault
On March 26 at 7:30 p.m., there was a report of assault in Masselink Hall. The female was familiar with the male suspect. The incident was turned over to housing and the Office of Student Conduct.

Weird Pictures
On March 25 at 11 a.m., there was a report of a disorderly subject sending photographs by email. The ex-student was living out of state sent the material to a teacher. Investigation continues.

CRIME ALERT!!
On March 30 at 8:45 p.m., a victim reported that a male struck her and stole her purse in Lot 28. Investigation continues. Anyone with information concerning this alert please call FSU Public Safety.

Ticket Totals:
From March 26 through April 2, the department of public safety identified 400 violators for the total of $7,210 in tickets. Actual amount depends on whether the ticket was paid or voided.

Student Government has made plans with the Timme Center to revise student refundable fee information sheets.

The effects of student refunds to organizations and facilities are expected to be included with the fees and dates. Student Government planned to write a resolution, a legislative document, to request change to Campus Affairs.

“We weren’t against the Timme center giving out this information,” said Balmer, Student Government president. “We would just like them to include what happens to student organizations and facilities when they refund these fees.”

The refundable fees for undergraduate and professional students are funds that are automatically taken out of students’ tuition.

These fees and locations include the Racquet Facility for $13, Health Center for $47, Student Activity fee for $20 and Student Government for $1. Each fee can be refunded the first week of each semester at the respective location.

Student Government is currently preparing a relation, a document entailing possible revisions to be made to the refundable fee information sheet to Campus Affairs. Due the limited information students have on the effect of the refundable fee, student government has lost nearly $5,000 this year.

“Our fee is only one dollar,” said Balmer. “That isn’t a lot, but when thousands of students refund it adds up.”

Student Government, along with student activities, had to cut several events this year because of the refundable fee. They also reduced supplies for current and pending events.

Although one dollar is a small fee to pay for most people, some students feel that they shouldn’t have to support organizations or facilities they don’t use.

“It’s not our fault they can’t afford their own events,” said Ken Marshall, television production major. “Why should we have to pay for their stuff we don’t use?”

However, some students see the benefit of contributing their fees to other students that may be involved or need these facilities.

“I don’t have a lot of money, but $1 isn’t going to break me,” said Carly Sherman, an FSU student. “It doesn’t hurt to help other students.”

Student Government plans to have the refundable fee information sheet ready by Fall 2009 semester. There is still the possibility that students who refund could still benefit from the facilities and organizations they refunded fees for.

Because of the uncertainty for student benefits without contribution, Student Government would also like to have card swipers at their events and other facilities to ensure those students are accountable for their fees.