Security vs. Accessibility

ADA standards and security measures in a large facility might be considered at opposite ends of the facility-management system, writes Dr. Colby Jubenville, assistant professor, sport management, [and co-authors] in the recent Facility Manager. On one hand, a facility needs to be accessible to people with disabilities; yet, being able to secure a facility sometimes overrides matters of convenience. For example, "creating parking spots away from the main location of the facility allows security to better direct and monitor traffic, as well as restrict or divert unnecessary or unwanted populations--yet, for those with disabilities, a lack of convenience may deter them from attending." Balancing accessibility and safety is a quandary.

Contact Jubenville at 615-898-2909.
jubenvil@mtsu.edu

Words

New words become widely used "when there is a conceptual hole in language, a concept that becomes frequent in conversation that needs a simple and memorable name to describe it," says Dr. Stuart Bernstein, assistant professor of psychology. WMD came to represent Weapons of Mass Destruction during the recent war, for instance. But positive events create new words, too, he points out. Changes in office culture led to "cube farm." The Internet has given us "bandwith" and "e-mail." Unfamiliar experiences create the need for vocabulary to fill these slots, he adds.

Contact Bernstein at 615-898-5998.
sbernst@mtsu.edu

The college chase

The budget situation in Tennessee clearly indicates that public higher education will not be able to expect an increase in resources in order to provide additional spaces for the growing number of students who want a public college or university degree, notes Dr. Bob Glenn, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment management. "This will place an added burden on students to secure their place and their financial aid. The good news is that you can get a great education in the state of Tennessee." Lottery revenue, whatever it may be, will not replace thorough planning and preparation for one's college search, he adds.

Contact Glenn at 615-898-2440.
rglenn@mtsu.edu