By Daniel Scarpinato
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Thursday Feb. 21, 2002
Hartz wants extended fall break
If elected ASUA president, current Sen. Doug Hartz said he would continue the work he has already accomplished.
Hartz, a biochemistry senior, said his goal to create a weeklong fall break is in sight.
He said he didn't include the fall break idea in his platform for senate last year because he didn't think it was a viable goal.
He said that after talking to university administrators, he found that creating a fall break would save the University of Arizona valuable dollars in utility expenses.
"Five out of the UA's 10 peer institutions have a fall break of some form," Hartz said.
In addition, he said attendance in classes the days before Thanksgiving drops by more than 50 percent.
Hartz said he would also like to hold concerts on the UA Mall once a month, despite the recent failures of ASUA sponsored events.
"People will look forward to the events and get involved," he said.
Hartz said he would work with the University Activities Board, a group ASUA has been in competition with for concerts, to ensure that events don't conflict.
"The intent would not be to put on concerts to make a profit," he said. "The events would enable us to put on a free concert and fund a philanthropy at the same time."
Hartz said his involvement in the Arizona Students' Association - the student lobbying group on campus - makes him suited to represent students on the state level.
"I started out trying to help with these issues," he said. "I ended up getting involved and learning a great deal."
Hartz said next year's budget will be a challenge, but he will work with clubs to get them the funding they need.
He said corners may have to be cut at first, but he said if donations were raised, he could fill in the gaps as the year unfolds.
Hartz said he also plans to protect faculty salaries so students can have the best quality teachers.
"It's really hard to get interested in a class when there are 500 other people in the class and the TA is overworked," he said.
Hartz grew up in Flagstaff and is currently a resident assistant at Coronado Residence Hall.
"My goals are all possible and reachable," Hartz said. "I think the fact that none of them are farfetched make me a viable candidate."
