NEW WEIGHT ROOM IN GOSMAN ATHLETIC CENTER

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the fall of 2006, student concern was raised about outdated equipment in the weight room in the Gosman Athletic Center. In response to these concerns, a weight room committee was formed to investigate the legitimacy of these concerns. The committee determined that the majority of the equipment in both the varsity and main weight rooms is out-of-date and desperately needs a completely brand new equipment.

In response to the committee's determiniations, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is proposing that the Student Union Rollover funding be appropriated to replace the equipment in the weight room with updated models.

Based on the investigations and conclusions of the weight room committee (which was chaired by Assistant Athletic Director, Robin Seidman), we propose the following as the best possible scenario for this equipment replacement:

- Replace the current main weight room equipment with updated machines and dumb bells that are appropriate and accessible for all levels of users; beginners and advanced.
- Add Olympic lifting machines to the muti-purpose room adjacent to the weight room to provide additional space and equipment for the community.
- No structural changes to the actual facility are necessary or required for this plan; it is only the replacement of equipment.

In addition, these equipment will be "refreshed" every few years. Thus, this one-time investment can lead to perpetual investment.

Equipment notes, specific quotes and possible floor layouts are all attached.

1. Why do you thin your proposal will benefit the student body at large?
The renovation of Gosman's weight room would be extremely beneficial to the student body at large and the entire Brandeis community. An up-to-date environment for students to exercise in would undoubtedly encourage more students to use the room, while in turn encouraging healthy lifestyles and practices.

An improved weight room would also create a more comfortable and spacious atmosphere for the community to exercise in; more students would have the ability to use the room at once then do so now. The student body as a whole would greatly benefit from the renovation of the weight room in that their chances to attain healthy habits and lifestyles would be greatly improved.

2. Why and how do you think your proposal will benefit in short and long term?
The short term benefits that would stem from a new weight room are fairly obvious. The opportunity for students to use an enhanced facility would benefit everyone from varsity athletes to the Brandeis faculty to the general student population, all of whom use the currently outdated area. Increased space and updated equipment would allow for the enjoyment and utilization of many, many health conscious and exercise friendly community members.

The long term benefits of an improved athletic and workout facility lie gratly in the matter of health. Any improvements to this kind of a facility and environment would only encourage active and healthy behavior to the entire Brandeis community. It would absolutely draw a greater population to the gym to use the equipment and the facility.

In addition, an enhanced facility could greatly effect prospective student's views of Brandeis. An improved weight room could be seen as a recruitment tool, not just for prospective varsity athletes but for the general student body as well. Just as other impressive buildings and features of Brandeis are accentuated to prospectives, an improved facility may be displayed as an impressive characteristic of the university as a whole.

3. Whom have you consulted for the proposal?
- Sheryl Sousa; Brandeis University Director of Athletics
- Robin Seidman; Assistant Athletic Director and weight room committee chair
- Life Fitness; Fitness Equipment Manufacturer
- Brandeis students

---- The Athletic Department formed a committee which included trained professionals, to review this issue and to develop an appropriate list of replacement equipment. The committee gathered input from students, faculty, and staff on their way to developing conclusions about the best possibilities for the future of the weight room. This committee's input was used for this proposal and would be accessible if necessary.

4. Please list any peoplep we can contact as references in regards to your proposal.
- Sheryl Sousa; Brandeis University Athletic Director
- Robin Seidman; Assistant Athletic Director and weight room committee chair
- Lynne Dempsey; Associate Director of Athletics
- Lisa DeNicola; Head Athletic Trainer

5. Any further explanations if necessary.
Attached is a quote for the requested equipment and the intended layout of the room (As quoted January 31, 2007)

ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENTS
- New Floor Plan
- Price Breakdown

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