No staff and faculty allowed: changes at Cal Poly's Mott gym

Posted: Oct 11, 2012 4:21 PM by Keli Moore, KSBY News
Updated: Oct 11, 2012 5:21 PM

No faculty and staff allowed. This message has some Cal Poly employees upset. For years they have been able to shower and use the lockers at Mott gym, but as of Sept. 10th., Mott gym's facilities are off-limits to staff and faculty, and now reserved for the athletic department and student athletes.

"The big issue is locker space. We did not have enough space for our student athletes here at Mott gym," said Don Oberhelman, Cal Poly's athletic director.

Cal Poly employees were warned via locker room notices that the facilities are off-limits to them.

"At the bare minimum we should afford our student athletes a place to change, shower and store their belongings before and after practice," said Cal Poly's athletic director.

"It's very important especially pre-game. It's nice to have your own space because the whole team can listen to music and get really pumped up for the game, and you don't have to worry about people coming through and messing with the energy," said Shandon Rovetta, who plays soccer for Cal Poly.

Faculty and staff can still take showers on campus and get a locker, but now they have to pay.

"The new ASI rec center is one of the most beautiful in the country, and I think that is the best option," said Oberhelman.

An option that some faculty say is too expensive.

"It's a fantastic facility, but if someone is only going to use it for a shower, then it is not a viable option," said Craig Arceneaux, Chair of Political Science, who cycles 15 miles to campus. Arceneaux said he just wants a place to shower without a price tag.

"The campus advertises itself as a green campus, we should be able to support alternative means of transportation," explained Arceneaux. He said the issue doesn't stop here.

"There seems to be a growing move to shut out faculty and staff from a number of facilities. Faculty who were here long ago use to have access to the pool that was gated off. That was $15 now $48," he said.

The Associated Students Incorporation or ASI is working on a discounted rate for faculty and staff to use the student rec center. The price would be around $40, similar to what students currently pay.

Right now though, the only option for faculty and staff is the student recreation center.