University of Virginia Library

Making Progress At Mem. Gym

The Intramural Department has
announced some changes in the operating
times of Memorial Gymnasium, and we think
you will be mildly pleased. As you will recall,
we criticized the Athletic Department policy
of closing the gym at 11 p.m. on weekends in
these columns last week (They close at 1 a.m.
on weeknights).

Mr. John Lafley, Assistant Intramural
Director, has announced that, with the final
night of intramurals occurring tonight, the
gym will now be available for use earlier every
evening, and will have a seven-day per week
closing time of 12 midnight. On the surface.
this may appear to be a cop out, (cutting four
hours and adding three), but the new policy is a
step in the right direction because with the
completion of IM season the gym would, in
all likelihood, have reverted back to 11 p.m.
closing time had there not been student
interest in later hours.

The new midnight closing policy is not
permanent, we must warn. People have to
want to use the facilities, or the Athletic
Department will not continue funding the
supervision required for the extra weekend
hours. In short, now that we have it, we must
use it to keep it...and the Athletic
Department must not try to avoid noticing
the demand, even if it requires that students
sign in to prove their presence.

As a footnote, let us relay a message from
Mr. Lafley: Anyone with complaints or
suggestions regarding Memorial Gymnasium is
welcome in his office to discuss them. He
assured us that he and the staff of the IM
Department want to serve the students, so
students should make sure they are served. In
the instant case, if the demand proves
sufficient the closing time will remain at
midnight.

As a second footnote, he pointed out that
it is difficult to get competent and responsible
gym supervisors on Friday and Saturday
nights who want to work that late. So, if you
are having dull weekends, and like the sound
of $2.00 per hour, you might think of
volunteering to take that job.