For the second consecutive year, Eastern will lower the temperature in campus buildings in an attempt to save money in light of the recent budget crisis. However, some students and faculty are concerned that the lowered temperature may cause the same uncomfortable conditions they experienced last year.

In past years, thermostats in residence and academic halls have been set to 70 degrees, but Jeff Cooley, vice president of business affairs, said administrators decided to lower the temperature by two degrees to save money after the budget fell $2.2 million short this fiscal year. The recognized comfort zone is between 66 and 72, and Cooley previously said he thinks 68 will adequately serve the needs of the campus.

“We were anticipating this,” he said. “I hope the campus understands that this was something to help us meet the budget shortfall.”

Cooley said the university saved about $200,000 during last year’s mild winter when administrators turned the heat down after fall semester break to the shock of many returning students and faculty. The university saves about percent per every degree the thermostat was lowered. The university estimates to save that much again, depending on fuel prices and the severity of this year’s winter.

Last year, Cooley said, administrators heard some complaints from students and staff in campus buildings, but he encouraged everyone to get adjusted to the temperature and report any problems.

Mark Hudson, director of university housing and dining, said he also heard complaints from students living in residence halls, but this year, students have more time to prepare for the change.

“Last year, I think we caught them off guard,” he said.

He said the problem with turning the heat lower lies in the type and age of heating system the university owns. The challenge is that it’s hard to be exact with this system, he said. Certain areas fluctuate, and in other areas, it is too low, and people should report low temperatures.

“You have to tinker with it to get the appropriate temperature everywhere,” he said.

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The university had problems with some heating equipment last year because of the sheer age of the heating system, and now that equipment is a year older, Cooley said.

“It’s just important that we know when there are problems so we can get them fixed,” he said.

However, academic buildings are already feeling chilly before any harsh weather conditions hit. A department in Old Main has set up three space heaters in its offices to combat freezing temperatures.

Students in residence halls, though, have not see a real difference in the temperature yet.

Tricia Carlson, a freshman history major, said she doesn’t mind the chilly conditions in her room in Andrews Hall yet, but she may become concerned once temperatures drop.

“It doesn’t really bother me,” she said. “I just wear a sweatshirt now.”

Kristin Lucan, a junior math education major, said up until a week ago, her residence hall room was cold, but she can feel the heat now and thinks it is at a comfortable temperature.

However, as far as making sacrifices for the sake of the university budget, Lucan said she wanted to know where the savings were allotted in the budget before she made a decision.

“I would have a better view of it if I knew more about where where those savings were going,” she said.

“It doesn’t really bother me now, but I think it would if it got really cold,” said Kelli Ervin, a freshman undeclared major.

Other students are willing to adjust to the change.

“You can always put on a sweatshirt,” said Laura Cunniffee, a freshman English major. “It’s better to be cold than anything.”