Western saves money with campus closure

Dec. 8 marked the last day of fall term for all students at Western, but not for its faculty and staff. Every year, students get to leave campus and return home to celebrate the holidays while staff continue working like any other day.

This year marked a new attempt to save money by closing Western's campus starting Dec. 23 and staying closed till Jan. 3. By doing so, Western was able to save approximately $10,000 in utility costs by closing the campus down for this 12-day period to only the essential staff, such as payroll and athletics staff who had to prepare for payroll and the upcoming basketball games.

Tom Neal, Western Physical Plant, describes what Western was able to save money on while the campus was closed: "The direct savings was in utilities, such as electricity, natural gas and water-sewer. A secondary savings was the fuel savings by individuals not commuting to the campus, not measurable, but still an environmental benefit."

When asked if he felt if the closure was a success and would be utilized again Jon Tucker, Werner University Center Building Coordinator, was enthusiastic about any future campus closers. "We have already been told to expect another this same time next year. A closure will probably only happen during winter break since there are no students and lots of staff taking vacation and very few people visiting campus. Spring break is not long enough."

Tucker expressed his opinion that the money saved could ultimately be allocated to additional maintenance of campus and to cover campus-wide deficits and even, in the long run lower, tuition.