On Friday, February 17, more than 50 staff members from various departments in the Division of Student Affairs gathered in the Nebraska Union third floor hallway for Franco Friday. This town hall style event began last spring to encourage staff to connect with colleagues beyond their department and to provide staff with a venue to get questions answered by Juan Franco, vice chancellor for student affairs.

The location for Franco Friday travels to help staff familiarize themselves with the departments and resources comprised by Student Affairs. With the third floor of the Nebraska Union serving as hosts, representatives from the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Legal Services, the Women’s Center, the LGBTQA+ Resource Center and the new Huskers Helping Huskers Pantry+ opened their doors to invite staff to learn more.

Dr. Franco began by introducing the Student Affairs Staff Council and inviting attendees to connect with their representatives. He also thanked Charlie Francis, director of the Nebraska Unions, for providing coffee.

In his opening remarks, Franco addressed a general sentiment of negativity in the country, but quickly pointed out that many positive things are taking place on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. He said the positives are:

• This year’s enrollment is 800 students higher than the previous year, not only enhancing the labor force in Nebraska but also decreasing the impact of budget cuts.
• The new dining facility will open this summer and be available for students in fall 2017.
• The new residence hall will open on East Campus this fall.
• The East Campus Union has been allotted funding for a much-needed remodel.
• The Nebraska Union remodels are providing wonderful new venues for our students, like the Big Ten meeting room. (The Georgian Suite also is currently in progress and expected to be completed next month.)
• Our new and remodeled Campus Recreation facilities continue to experience increased use.

Immigration Issues

Next, he pointed out that in the face of unfortunate events the university community continues to reach out to see how people can help DACA and international students.

“The number of people who want to help is heartwarming,” said Franco.

When asked what else the university is doing, Franco reiterated that the university is doing all it can, but that it can’t break the law nor tell the future in Washington, D.C.

Shelley Stall, director of Student Legal Services, added that their office provides a confidential service for students with legal problems, including immigration issues.

Budget Cuts

Last, he addressed budget cuts by saying, “You know as much as I do if you read the newspapers.”

He assured staff members that President Bounds, Chancellor Green and the Board of Regents are trying to negotiate the best scenario for the university, but that cuts are eminent. Fortunately, Student Affairs does not receive many state funds but departments will feel an impact.

“People are the ones who make this place run,” said Franco, emphasizing that the university will do everything they can to minimize the effect on employees. He mentioned that continued vacancies in some positions may lead to a need for cross-training and developing new ways to help one another.

Fraternity & Sorority Concerns

When the forum was opened for questions, staff members asked about the recent issues regarding fraternities in the news. Franco said these examples demonstrate a larger issue with alcohol use, which follows a national trend. He mentioned that Linda Major, assistant vice chancellor, will lead a task force to address alcohol use on-campus.

“We’re not trying to get rid of the Greek system—we’re trying to help transform it,” said Franco. He emphasized that the university will be partnering with fraternities to change the mindset of expectations for membership.

Linda Schwartzkopf, director of the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life, mentioned that 80 percent of students do the right thing, but that 20 percent drag down the system. She said they will be looking at ways to empower the 80 percent to speak out and provide a greater positive influence.

Another question arose regarding where the men from suspended chapters live when the organization is not recognized by the university. Franco explained that if a unit was previously deemed University-approved Housing, revoking that status normally results in the freshmen moving back to campus.

Greek chapter houses are private residences, meaning the house corporation can choose to continue to rent rooms. However, if problems persist for the university, this may impact the organization’s ability to return to Nebraska.

Additional Questions

Toward the end of the hour, Franco addressed questions about Nebraska’s tuition rates and affordability compared to Big Ten peer institutions, University Housing’s ability to provide enough rooms with the closing of Cather-Pound Niehardt next fall, and the current status of operation for the OmaLiNK airport shuttle service.

At the conclusion of the event, Francis invited individuals to tour the Big Ten room and to get a sneak peek at the Georgian room. Franco also encouraged individuals to tour the Pantry+ if they had not already done so.

The last Franco Friday for the spring semester will take place on Friday, April 21 at the Recreation and Wellness Center on East Campus.