THE STUDENT VOICE SINCE 1904
The University Daily Kansan
vol. 135 // iss. 12 Thurs., Sept. 28, 2017
SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE
Anschutz, Watson install FitDesks
As part of the Innovation Fund, KU has installed bikes in
Anschutz and Watson libraries that are equipped with desks
that allow students to work and study while exercising.
TIANNA WITMER @tiannajwitmer
KU Libraries have released their newest plan to incorporate all types of learning styles into their facilities and put the pedal to the metal on academic success. New FitDesks have been installed in Anschutz and Watson libraries as part of the Innovation Fund. “The dean set aside a specific amount of funds for new ideas that come from staff,” Jeromy Horkman, director of public operations, said about the fund. Associate Content Development Librarian Sara Morris came up with the idea after researching bikes in libraries at Clemson University. “A lot of the times, we think of the library as books, which is important, but we are also a space, and we are trying to make studying better for students,” Morris said. “Other schools, including Texas A&M, have incorporated bikes and received a lot of positive feedback as well.”
“We want to provide different types of environments for people who work in different ways ... We are constantly trying to make changes that make us more welcoming and more inclusive, and I think the bikes are just part of that.” Kevin Smith dean of libraries
Walking into the libraries, students can find a wide range of people using the new bikes, from students in leggings and T-shirts to professors grading exams. “We want to provide different types of environments for people who work in different ways,” said Kevin Smith, dean of libraries. The bikes are available at all times during library hours. There are two bikes in each of the libraries. “We aren’t doing any reservations system, we are just treating it as a table. First come, first serve,” Horkman said. The library is constantly looking for feedback, and according to Horkman, there have
been more and more improvements to the bikes since they arrived. One of these main changes is a power source near each bike for easy electronic access. When riding the bikes, students are encouraged to take an online survey and provide even more constructive criticism to library staff. “We are constantly trying to make changes that make us more welcoming and more inclusive, and I think the bikes are just part of that.” Smith said. — Edited by Danya Issawi
Willa Knight/KANSAN Sydney Edmonds, a junior from Kansas City, exercises on the new workout desks in Anschutz Library while doing homework on Sept. 21.
Former, current rowing coaches to be questioned
CONNER MITCHELL @connermitchell0
Four depositions have been set in the two open Title IX cases against the University, according to federal court records. Former rowing coach Rob Catloth, current rowing coach Carrie Cook-Callen, Kansas Athletics Head Team Physician Larry Magee and former Senior Woman Administrator Debbie Van Saun are scheduled to be deposed — or asked questions under oath — in early October. Daisy Tackett and Sarah McClure, both former rowers, sued the University in March and April 2016, respectively, saying they were retaliated against after reporting being sexually assaulted. The two suits, which describe largely the same narrative for both women after they reported their assaults, accuse Catloth, Cook-Callen, Magee and Van Saun of various levels of misconduct. Tackett’s suit says she witnessed Catloth make “ongoing racial remarks about some rowers and numerous comments about the weight of the female athletes, calling some of the women
Missy Minear/KANSAN Former rowing coach Rob Catloth and current rowing coach Carrie Cook-Callen are scheduled to be deposed in October in two Title IX lawsuits facing the University. ‘fat’ and expressing preferences for women who conformed with more traditional gender norms for the female body.” The suit says “many” rowers reported Catloth’s conduct to Van Saun, who did not respond appropriately, despite the fact it was her job to enforce Title IX and gender equity compliance.
Catloth and Van Saun have both retired recently from their positions. Cook-Callen took over for Catloth officially in July. Tackett’s suit accuses Cook-Callen of not advocating on Tackett’s behalf when she had to miss a key practice to attend a meeting with an Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access
staff member. This lack of advocating, the suit says, caused Catloth to hold the missed practice against Tackett when considering her participation in rowing team activities. Magee is not explicitly named in Tackett’s suit. However, the suit does say Tackett first reported her assault to the rowing
team’s trainer, who referred her to a Kansas Athletics Department physician — Magee’s job —, who referred her to Van Saun. McClure’s version of the suit describes the same environment and “retaliatory” actions, but also says Catloth knowingly discriminated against her due to a
medical condition. The depositions likely will not be part of public court documents unless they are attached as an exhibit to any future motions. Dan Curry, a Kansas City-based lawyer representing both Tackett and McClure, did not respond to requests for comment for this story.