WIT’S END KIOSK CLOSES in an effort to reduce expenses and consolidate resources for the student run enterprise. Closing the coffee, bagel, and sandwich stand, located on the first floor of Wheatley Hall, was a tough decision for the faculty at Student Life who oversee the financial resources of the both Wit’s End Café and Kiosk. Since the opening of the Campus Center the Wit’s End has suffered from declining revenue along with several other food vendors around campus. Though the Kiosk was the more profitable of the two locations, it was decided that the recently renovated third floor Café should be kept, due to strong student support and its relaxing atmosphere. An estimated $15,000 upgrade would be needed before the Kiosk location could be reopened. ***STUDENT SENATE WILL HOLD SPECIAL ELECTIONS in response to vacancies in several senate seats. Thirty total seats are available on Student Senate with the two seats for the College of Nursing traditionally remaining unfilled. Last semester’s Senate elections provided a well-received turnout and the remaining twenty-eight seats were easily filled. As the semester starts, however, it is not uncommon for students to leave their positions as they reconsider their level of commitment. Currently there are still four seats open. This is a significant improvement over last year’s senate, who’s twelve filled senate seats also prompted a special election which is voted on only by fellow Senators, rather than the entire student body during general elections. ***CAMPUS CENTER GAME ROOM GETS RENOVATED in a joint effort by faculty of The Campus Center and Student Life. Both groups are committed to providing more locations on campus where students can relax in comfortable spaces. The new renovations affect just the look and feel of the Game Room while all previous games and activities remain. A new bright yellow and orange paint job, as well as new furniture and lighting were installed to give the area a more “lounge-like” feel with the ascetics of a pool hall. Part of the goal of the renovation is to encourage more students to take advantage of the area as a location for more activities and events.***OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS. JELD-WEN is holding its second annual Student Door Design Contest, focusing on the theme of “honoring architecture.” Students are invited to submit original designs for residential front doors. Winners will be chosen based on their design originality, overall concept, and creative use of materials. JELD-WEN will award two grand prize packages, including a $5,000 scholarship, and an all expenses paid trip to the International Builders’ Show. Winners of the Door Design Contest will be selected in November. For contest and entry information, visit www.jeld-wen.com/studentdesign.***DRIVEN TO EMPOWER… The Empower Disabled Fund (EDF) is currently selling raffle tickets for a 2006 Toyota Corolla. The car, donated by Expressway Toyota, will be awarded to the winner of the September 20th drawing. In May, EDF gave its first annual award of a new wheelchair van to UMB junior Eugene Flaherty, enabling him to “continue to be independent, provide service to the community and attend classes.” Dr. Ellen Hume, a UMB communications professor, and the Director of the Center on Media and Society in the Graduate School of Policy Studies, co-founded EDF with UMB staff member Sergio Goncalves. This raffle is part of the continued effort to offer awards to disabled students in need. The $50 raffle ticket not only gives you the chance to win a new car, but also contributes to your fellow students. To purchase a ticket, email Sergio Goncalves at [email protected] or Kerri Cleghorn at [email protected]. For more information about EDF, visit their website at www.empowerdisabledfund.com.***THE MBTA DISAPPOINTED STUDENTS AGAIN when they announced fare hikes for 2007 and the possible elimination of train-only monthly passes. Then, on September 8, a power failure from Park Street to Andrew Station shut down service and create major delays, botching classes and schoolwork for hundreds of UMass students–as well as students at other, lesser known universities on the red line.