Two crimson velvet chairs replaced the usual couches in front of the fireplace in the Skutt Student Center. The Rev. John Schlegel, S.J., in one and CSU President Adam Hare in the other, opened the floor to questions in the Fireside Chat.

There was the lack of general student body in attendance. Of the 25 students present, about five were not directly part of CSU or in charge of an affiliated program. Andrew Christensen, Arts & Sciences senior, was disappointed with the turnout.

“This is such a good event for students to come and ask whatever they want of Father Schlegel and our CSU president,” Christensen said. “I definitely believe that more students should take advantage of this great opportunity.”

Both presidents addressed a number of imporatnt issues. The chat covered these topics:

Plans of expansion for housing and parking.

Schlegel stated that parking plans should be completed by the end the school year. As far as housing goes, a sophomore dormitory will be completed in 2012 and an architect firm has already been hired.

Social justice campaign.

Students will be given yellow ribbons and asked about social justice concerns that interest them. Students are requested to put their major and college on the ribbon as well. With this information, the departments will be notified of their student’s concerns and so social justice programs can be developed with the help of faculty in each department.

DoIT’s planned e-mail transition to Windows Live.

Students applying to medical and law schools are concerned they will lose responses from schools they applied to. Hare said that if DoIT does not find an answer to the question, they will postpone the transition.

Increased number of students on campus.

“Everyone who wants a bed has a bed,” Schlegel said. He continued with saying that not only is this year’s freshman class the largest, but also the retention of freshmen and sophomores from last year is at a high rate of 93 percent. Residence Life was faced with a problem before this school year, and he was impressed with how they adapted with a plan for students.

Money from parking passes.

The fee of $200 not only helps out with maintenance, but also most of the funds help pay for officers and their vehicles. Overhead is also included in that fee. It was also noted that the money is allocated before it is even received.

The Kiewit Pool.

It will remain closed until further notice because the $450,000 renovation needed to meet code is simply not viable in the current economic times.

Advice to undecided students.

Hare said the undecided freshmen should try different areas their first year and from there make an educated, well-informed decision. Schlegel added that one of his peers, who works at Guantanamo Bay and who attended Creighton, learned most in his liberal arts classes. The Jesuit idea of pure liberal arts makes students well-rounded and ready to communicate in the changing world, he said.

The Tobacco-Free Policy.

It was stressed as being a program of cessation rather than penalty. Students will not be fined, but rather the repeat offenders will face discipline similar to other violations in Student Life.

The budget and Willing to Lead campaign.

Students can find information for Willing to Lead online at www.creighton.edu/development.