Idea of univeristy/faculty club examined
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David Mucci, director of KU Memorial Unions, said the idea of a university/faculty club would be to provide a venue for faculty and staff to gather in an informal setting to discuss research, their work at the university and to establish cross-disciplinary relationships. A club could also provide a place for campus visitors, such as alumni, donors and people of influence to meet with campus personnel.
A club would provide meals, most likely lunch or dinner. Mucci said there would be a membership fee, but those who paid would receive discounted rates on meals and services. Paid memberships would be necessary, as a club would not be supported by the state.
One question facing a potential club is location. The possibility of constructing a facility for such use exists, but would likely be cost prohibitive, Mucci said. Another option is using an existing campus facility, but with it come questions about location – a club would need to be accessible to all of campus as well as the public – and parking.
Mucci said the survey results would be analyzed early next year to gauge interest and expected services before the decision whether or not to pursue a club is made.
If a club is formed, Mucci said the goal is to provide a casual, stress-free setting where university employees could meet.
"It would be a less-formal atmosphere, but where business is clearly being done," Mucci said. "It would also be a place to build bridges to those outside of campus, while serving the sense of creating a better community here."



