The War on Terror and Operation Iraqi Freedom have touched close to home at Missouri Southern.

Twenty-one students have received full refunds of tuition and fees due to deployment to the war or pending deployment.

“We have 21 of our own involved in the war,” said College President Julio León. “We will accommodate the students in that regard.”

In other news, the Regents are considering building a new student recreation center.

Students are willing to increase their own fees to fund a new student athletic center, León said.

Funds have been donated to the Missouri Southern Foundation enabling the Board of Regents to research architects to study the feasibility of refurbishing Young Gymnasium. Refurbishing the existing building may prove to be more economical than building a new freestanding structure.

The name change bill still has a good chance, León said.

“Sen. Gary Nodler’s bill is in committee and will be heard on Wednesday (April 2),” León said.

Nodler and León testified on behalf of Southern. If no problems arise, the bill will go to deliberations on the floor of the House.

The Regents approved the awarding of a contract to Sprinturf for the replacement of the artificial football playing surface at Hughes Stadium. Sprinturf sees Southern as a regional showcase for its product. Sprinturf’s final offer was $450,000. The next closest bidder was $660,000; the highest bid was $769,218. All of the bids included utility improvements and field maintenance equipment.

Due to deliberations in the House and Senate on the state budget, the Board of Regents will not be able to set tuition or begin work on the College budget for the 2003-2004 term until April or May.

“We have always tried to set tuition early. How will this hurt our students?” said Jane Wyman, Regent. “Is there anything we can do to help our students?”

“We can estimate fees and include a small increase, the financial aid office will probably be the driver,” said Rob Yust, College treasurer.

Higher education will be dealt with last in the state budget in order to minimize withholdings and cuts.

After meeting with Student Senators Trent Dobrauc and Jacob Brower, León brought the Student Senate Rules Resolution to the Regents for discussion.

“I spoke to a 33-year-old man on Senate about the policy,” León said. He has a point to a certain extent. We only allow alcohol on campus at certain functions to make it a more friendly atmosphere for the friends of the College. We are careful what functions we allow it at.”

The Board decided to hold further discussion on the policy and bring it up for consideration at a future meeting.