Faculty and Staff,

Earlier this weekend I sent an email (see below) pertaining to the summer
hours in Maclellan Gym, as well as, the downtime during the academic
break.  In response, I have received a few emails from faculty and staff
wanting to workout during the four days we are closed between
semesters.  Please allow me to explain the logic for our closing between
semesters.

Judicial systems in the United States often refer to facilities such as
Maclellan Gymnasium as "recreational nuisances."  The point being
regardless of operational policies for these facilities, folks want to use
them.  Although understandable, it does severely increase possibilities of
liability and risk issues.  When school is not in session, Maclellan Gym
does not have the convenience of service attendants to keep an eye on
people using the equipment or gym floors.  Anyone becoming incapacitated
due to injury or illness may not receive assistance for a period of time
that could make the difference between life and death.  Of course, the old
saying,"It will not happen to me," is usually the first thing I
hear.  Maybe so, but tragically it has happened on this campus and more
than once.  Studies suggests that everyone, not just the unfit, is at an
increased risk for a myocardial event more so during exercise than at any
other time.  This information, along with experience and a knowledge of
past history is enough to keep me convinced that closing during these
breaks is a good thing.

My personal promise to all is to try to protect the health and well-being
of those utilizing Maclellan Gym.  My professional obligation requires that
I protect the interest of this University.

For this reason the following information remains current.


Maclellan Gymnasium will close on Tuesday April 29 at 8:00 PM and will
remain closed until Tuesday May 6 at 6:00 AM.  Access to the locker rooms
and the EHLS Departmental Offices may be obtained through the Douglas
Street entrance from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM during this down time.

Summer hours will be Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM and we will be
closed on weekends.  As of today, a summer lifeguard for the pools has not
been hired (no one has applied, answered ads, etc.).  Consequently, the
pools will not open for public swim until this problem is corrected.  Trust
me, I have been working on this for weeks.  I will hire someone as quickly
as I possibly can and will alert the UTC community promptly.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks and happy summer.  Carol