"All flash, little info: Student Union sign still not fully operational"

The new sign in front of the Student Union is bigger, brighter and more high tech, but students say they are still skeptical of its practical uses.

For two years, the sign was broken, sitting as an eyesore in the most heavily trafficked area on campus. And now, although it's been operational since the end of last semester, it's served as little more than a decoration, flashing old info welcoming students back to school, or the occasional update for Fall Fest, or an SA advertisement.

It also now continuously shows the date and time.

"I think it's a waste of money," said Jackson Smith, a senior media study major. "They could have used the money for something more constructive. If the sign wasn't so highlighted it would still be the first thing people see."

According to officials, the sign has had a lack of information because the software used to program and run messages is just being installed and formatted.

Once that process is complete, SA will continue to advertise upcoming events and any SA club will also likely be able to post information.

Andrea Costantino, director of Student Life, which will also make use of the sign, said the sign is important to have as a communication mechanism and for advertising and marketing purposes.

She said the sign is pretty standard for a large university to have.

"(SA) will decide what they want on the sign and then forward it to us to implement," she said.

Though many students said they never pay attention to the sign and doubt how much necessary information they would garner from it, not all students were pessimistic.

"I think it's hot," said Justin Blair, a senior communication major. "I think it provides a nice look for the university. Most major universities have a sign that stands out."

When the sign originally broke, officials estimated it would cost upwards of $30,000 or $40,000 to replace it. In the end, the new sign cost $10,000, a bill that was split down the middle by Student Life and SA from mandatory student fees.

"It was a little embarrassing to have a broken sign in front of the school, so Student Association got together with Student Life and got on it," SA President Dela Yador said.