By Sondra Rodriguez, Page Editor
An ad kiosk between the Campus Center and the Brown Library is coming soon – and university administrators say they have not forgotten their promise to provide a place where students can advertise campus events.
Nearly five months have passed since the university announced its plan to build an ad kiosk after enforcing a policy prohibiting students from advertising on campus.
Design and construction plans caused the delay, said Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, Vice President and Dean for Student Life. He confirmed Monday that parts were ordered for the kiosk, and he said he hopes to break ground in the next couple weeks.
In response to the ad policy, SA Congress passed a resolution in March stating students should be allowed to advertise on campus. Thompson said alternative means of advertising were offered during the meeting, all of which SA Congress candidates have utilized for campaigning. These include venues such as myACU and the screens in Chapel.
Daniel Burgner, junior political science major from Yorba Linda, Calif., and SA Congress presidential candidate, used such venues for his campaign.
“It’s really restricted – nowhere outdoors or any doors that open to the outside,” Burgner said. “But we’ve been doing lots of online advertising, Facebook, YouTube and myACU ads.”
Thompson offered his apologies for the delay and said he understood student organizations’ frustrations.
“The university has had to be careful with its construction projects to make sure we’re financially OK,” Thompson said. “But this is a project we’re committed to, and it’s going to come; there’s no doubt about it.”
The kiosk will be a large structure of concrete and brick.
“There have been problems securing materials,” said Mauri Westbrook, coordinator of student activities and organizations. “But it’s definitely still on.”
In addition to the ad kiosk, the university plans to advertise on the multiple flat screens in the “World Famous Bean.” Until these venues can be utilized, Thompson said the university is doing all it can to get the ad kiosk project up and running as soon as possible.
“Take my word for it: when students see the scope, size and ascetic, they’ll appreciate it,” he said. “It’s user friendly but nice, and that takes time to design.”
