Price Center’s future Loft nightclub took center stage at
yesterday’s council meeting during a presentation that emphasized its wine bar
and sociable setting. Next up was a presentation regarding the pending overhaul
of UCSD’s Web site, making it a great night for anyone who knew his Cabernet
Sauvignon from his XHTML.

However, before these matters could be tended to, several
councilmembers needed to work their way into the building. A scheduling
conflict forced the council to conduct its business outside of its usual Price
Center Ballroom location.

The imposing locked doors of the Mandell Weiss Forum sent
some councilmembers snaking down an entry ramp, in through a backstage exit, up
a cramped flight of stairs, and, remarkably, out an upstairs exit that left
them right where they started.

Biological Sciences Senator Emma Sandoe started the meeting
after an 11-minute delay.

“Hopefully we all learned something about campus today,” she
said.

Director of University Events Office Martin Wollesen then
launched into his promotion of the Loft, an on-campus nightclub that’s scheduled
to open by late March or early April.

Wollesen explained that the Loft was founded on three
pillars: event programming several nights a week, food and beverage service and
a unique interior design.

He added that his office was considering daytime alcohol
service to attract more students as well as a “Loft lift” to help transport
off-campus students home safely.

Following Wollesen was TritonLink Project Director Beth
Surrell, who demonstrated a closed beta version of the new UCSD Web site. She
said the update will affect both TritonLink and the campus site, the latter of
which hasn’t been redesigned since 2001.

The new Web site will have a more consistent, streamlined
appearance. Similar to the current site, the new one will make use of updates
from University Communications for its front-page content, now complete with a
rotating lead news photo.Councilmembers had some reservations about the
redesign.

Associate Vice President of Student Advocacy Neetu Balram
noted the marginalization of the color yellow in TritonLink’s new look.

“It doesn’t look as happy,” she said.

In expressing his skepticism, Associate Vice President of
Academic Affairs Long Pham said, “It looks like WebCT. Maybe that’s why I’m not
getting the … ” and awkwardly rolled his hands over each other toward Surrell
in lieu of completing the criticism.

The new Web site will launch on Dec. 17.

After Surrell’s presentation, Associate Vice President of
Local Affairs Aida Kuzucan followed up last week’s discussion of a “fabulous
parade” for UCSD by telling the council she had secured a float in La Jolla’s
upcoming holiday parade.

“It’s not actually a float,” she said, to rising laughter
and cheers, “but an imaginative one in my head that needs to be built in two
weeks and I need help. I’ve never made a float before.”