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McAlister’s Deli opening delayed until March

McAlister’s Deli, which was originally supposed to open in January, will be opening in March 2009.
McAlister’s will be located in the Miller Information Technology Center in the space which was previously Mitzi’s.
The delay in the schedule was due to two major issues.
First, more architectural work was needed because McAlister’s agreed to coordinate the rest of the Miller IT Center’s design, fixtures and color schemes with other planned renovations.
Secondly, tests and the removal of asbestos were required before the project could continue.
Damon’s Grill Express and Einstein Brothers Bagels are projects set to be completed by Fall 2009. These projects are on schedule and are part of the ongoing efforts to better and develop more food services on campus.

Ramsey updates students on budget via e-mail

On Feb. 6, University of Louisville President James Ramsey sent an e-mail to students regarding the budget.
In his e-mail, Ramsey explained that the 2009 legislative session reconvened and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has presented a budget reduction plan despite the fact that sessions that fall on odd numbered years, do not normally deal with these issues.
Before the holidays, Beshear submitted a plan to increase the cigarette tax by .70 cents a pack, in an effort to cut back on budget-cuts.
Reaching out for student input, “Two tuition forums will be held, as well as a campus-wide budget forum,” Ramsey said in the email.  “This process is very important so that we as a campus community can work together.”
The email expressed Ramsey’s appreciation of the campus community, said that the administration will do the best they can. Ramsey also expressed the administrations pleasure with the announcement of the transfer of the Center for Renewable Energy Research and Environmental Stewardship to the university and with that, a $20 million donation from Hank and Becky Conn.

SGA begins preparations for upcoming election

University of Louisville Student Government Association played catch up last week for the spring semester.
In addition to their Jan. 27 Senate meeting being rescheduled to Feb. 3, they withdrew from participating in the Rally for Higher Education. It was to be held the same day.
“We were all really disappointed, because this was supposed to be a huge statement,” said Mike Dennis SGA vice-president.  Adding, since Kentucky was in a state of emergency “everything was going to fall on deaf ears, we felt like.”
Before Kentucky Legislation season ends, U of L does plan to make a presence according to Dennis.
“In the next couple of weeks, we’re going to have a U of L day in Frankfort,” he said.
In addition to coordinating these efforts, the Listen Up Legislators event was rescheduled as well. It will be held at the Red Barn Fri., Feb. 13 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to write legislators advocating for higher education.
The SGA meeting scheduled tonight at 7 p.m. will be at Chao Auditorium featuring guest speaker Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson.
Important dates regarding the 2009-2010 SGA election:
 Fri., Feb. 13:
12 p.m. Candidacy confirmation
5 p.m., formal campaigning begins.
Election Dates: Mon., March 2 from 7 a.m. to Wed., March 4, at 7 p.m.
The ballot will be available on ULink during this period.
Thurs. March 5 at 12:30 p.m., the results will be announced at Floyd Theatre, Student Activities Center

ULDM deadline extended

The annual University of Louisville Dance Marathon to raise money for Louisville’s Kosair Children’s Hospital has extended its registration deadline.  Registration will be accepted until 2 p.m. today at the Student Activities Center lunchroom or at Class Act Federal Credit Union (beside Wendy’s in the SAC).
The marathon takes place Friday, February 20 at 6 p.m. through midnight Sat., Feb. 21 and will feature dancers of all levels.