Briefing an assembly of about 50 faculty members, Chancellor Walter Wendler solicited suggestions, advice and heard constructive criticism on two projects that could shape life at SIUC for years to come.

The topics of conversation are “Saluki Way,” a massive long-term remodeling of the east side of campus, and a proposal to raise tuition about 9 percent with a $5-per-credit-hour student fee to pay for utilities.

Both are in the proposal stages right now, having been presented to the Board of Trustees as discussion items. Wendler has said an official “Saluki Way” plan may be ready for a board vote as soon as January, and a final tuition hike will be presented during the spring semester.

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However, Wendler said he wants as much input as he can get from people around campus before he makes his final pitches to the board.

Wendler met with College of Mass Communication and Media Arts faculty Tuesday morning. Despite the 8 a.m. start time, more than 50 professors attended.

Wendler revealed a few new details, unveiling that “Saluki Way” may take as long as 15 years to complete, and now, the parking garages may be the first structures built.

The chancellor justified the plan’s first constructions, saying, “It’s unequivocal fact there is no setting where a two-story parking garage is a viable solution.”

Also, student services, currently housed in Woody Hall, would be moved to a state-of-the-art building, Wendler said.

“If you’ve not been through Woody, you might not realize how dastardly that building is to do business in,” Wendler said.

But nobody in the meeting forgot all the ideas came with a lofty price tag. Wendler broke down SIUC’s revenue services in his tuition and fee power points.

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State allocations make up 33.8 percent and tuition 20.7 percent with grants and gifts making up the remainder. While money from the state has recently been stagnant, the chancellor said he is optimistic that may soon change.

“One of the things I’m very optimistic about is when Glenn Poshard assumes the presidency in January, we will have someone who truly understands how Springfield works,” he said.

However, the main focus of the meeting was giving faculty members an opportunity to speak. Wendler said employees have turned out in droves with 150 at College of Liberal Arts meeting earlier this month and 75 at a meeting with the College of Education and Human Services.

When the MCMA professors were given the opportunity to speak, they voiced concerns ranging from increasing junior college enrollment to the recently announced Carbondale annexation of SIUC.

The meetings will conclude on Thursday when the chancellor meets with the College of Engineering and the College of Applied Science and Arts.

Reporter Zack Quaintance can be reached at [email protected]