The Daily Illini: Volume 147 Issue 38

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THE DAILY ILLINI

MONDAY February 5, 2018

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

27˚ | 18˚

Vol. 147 Issue 38

ETHAN SCHOLL THE DAILY ILLINI

Posters cover the wall outside the Geneva Room at the McKinley Foundation during a Graduate Employees’ Organization meeting on Sunday. The GEO is bargaining with the University regarding tuition waivers and wage increases, among other issues.

GEO poised for likely strike BY HEATHER SCHLITZ STAFF WRITER

After nearly a year of bargaining between the University and the Graduate Employees’ Organization, the two parties remain at odds over the progress of their negotiations. Frustrated by a lack of progress and with a strike likely on the horizon, the GEO filed intent to strike paperwork Jan. 29, giving the GEO legal permission to strike. The intent to strike ignit-

ed support for the GEO as the Illinois Student Government, University alumni and graduate unions across the country showed support via Twitter. Amid a wave of mounting frustration and resentment following months of rallies, teach-ins and negotiations, over 100 graduate students and supporters lined the hallways of the Fire Services Institute at a Jan. 30 bargaining session, where the administration and the GEO negotiate.

After a 12-hour bargaining session, the University and GEO managed to agree on appointment terms, leaving items like tuition waivers and wage increases on the table. Propelled by a backlash against a Massmail sent to graduate employees by the provost, demonstrators chanted as the University and GEO bargaining teams filed into their separate rooms, until the University presumably called the police. “The parties continue to

make progress in negotiations, including considerable progress at the latest bargaining session on the issue of notices of appointment,” said Robin Kaler, University spokesperson. “The University remains hopeful that we will continue to work together at the bargaining table and that the GEO will find it unnecessary to engage in a strike or other work stoppage.” SEE GEO | 3A

Students respond to early voting locations THE DAILY ILLINI STAFF REPORT

Illini Democrats, Illini Republicans and student leaders came together to speak out against Champaign County Clerk Gordy Hulten’s recent decision not to grant student leaders’ plea for the expansion of early voting polling places. At a press conference at the Illini Union, students and local leaders made official statements denouncing Hulten’s decision. The 2018 State Primary Election Day, which is March 20, is during this year’s spring break, which begins March 17. The request to expand early voting polling places says the early voting period will be the only time many students will be able to vote locally. Student leaders asked for more early voting locations to be added on campus, but Hulten denied their request. The only location on campus for early voting is Illini Union Room 213 from March 13-19. “This very room is the polling place where (student voters) are expected to cram into,” said Sullivan

Peterson-Quinn, junior in FAA and student senator. “It is a small room, connected to a narrow hallway, only accessible by one side of the building.” Peterson-Quinn believes long lines will restrict voter access, like the 2016 election, noting that Hulten failed to predict the 4,207 percent increase in campus turnout. Hulten said he does not anticipate early voting demand to exceed capacity at the Illini Union location. A proposal for an early voting extension period was also denied. Aishwarya Shekara, freshman in LAS and director of governmental affairs for the Illinois Student Government, outlined three reasons on behalf of the student body for the county clerk to consider opening additional locations at the ARC and at PAR: failed voter turnout predictions in recent years, addition of same day voter registration this year and the fact that students were able to vote on Election Day in 2014. SEE VOTING | 3A

DAILYILLINI, DAILYILLINISPORTS

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Police

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Letters

$27 million Altgeld renovation planned porary learning spaces throughout the building and replacing the heating and air conditioning in the hall. The Academic Facilities Maintenance Fund Assessment Oversight Committee approved the funds for 2020 and 2021 and rely on securing the remainder of the funds from the University, the state, donor gifts and other sources. Students currently pay $334 each semester into the fund, and student representatives in the committee will voice how to

THE DAILY ILLINI STAFF REPORT

PATRICK LI THE DAILY ILLINI

Professor Antoinette Burton is one of four faculty members at the University who were named endowed chairs. Burton is the director of the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities.

Proposed renovations of Altgeld Hall are underway after a campus committee conditionally approved $27 million in student funding to modernize the 121-year-old building. This would be the first significant renovation to the building since 1956. The renovation could be part of a larger project for the building and Illini Hall, which would cost up to $100 million. Current renovation plans include restoring the mosaics, murals and woodwork in the library, while adding contem-

Faculty recognized for achievements BY JIEJE WANG STAFF WRITER

In order to commemorate the achievements of distinguished faculty members, the University has nominated four scholars to be endowed chairs. An endowed chair is the highest faculty appointment title at the University. This

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Crossword

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Illinois can’t close it out

The Great Cover Up showcases local talent

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SEE CHAIRS | 3A

THEDAILYILLINI |

Life

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Culture

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Sports

SEE ALTGELD | 3A

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designation is reserved for appointments supported by a minimum endowment of $2 million, according to the Office of the Provost website. Robin Kaler, associate chancellor for public affairs, said in an email that endowed chairs are high honors.

@THEDAILYILLINI, @DI_OPINION, @DI_SPORTS Opinions

ELIZABETH NEELY THE DAILY ILLINI

Altgeld Hall is home to the Department of Mathematics. Renovations will be made to the hall in the next several years.

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Classifieds

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Sudoku

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buzz

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