The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute boasts everything from plasmas to its own library to an espresso machine in the J-café. Upon walking downstairs in this 30,000 square-foot building, the Futures Lab only further demonstrates RJI’s ability to attain whatever is required to provide the best possible atmosphere for both faculty and aspiring journalists. With state-of-the-art technology, students can experiment with new software, attend virtual seminars, and play Rock Band—all while sitting in chairs worth $800 each.
Because it has to withstand continual use, the Futures Lab furniture must be built to last, said Carole Christie, Communications Director of RJI.
“Every aspect is built to withstand a lot of use, including a higher grade of webbing and upholstery, five extra heavy-duty reinforced steel supports on the bottom, etc.,” Christie said in an e-mail.
This level of appliance endurance does not come without a cost. These chairs generally sell for about $800 apiece. But because of the large number purchased and the University discount, the journalism institution paid half price for them.
So are the chairs worth it?
“To buy a look-alike, lower-quality product would still run you $100 apiece, and after a year or two you would end up with a storage room full of broken chairs,” Christie said.
Lifespan is not the only factor that went into this purchase. Comfort was a consideration as well.
“They are very comfortable,” graduate student Mohammed Salih said. “These chairs are expensive, but as far as sitting in them, they are very flexible.”
Back problems have long been a problem caused by too many hours spent sitting at computers. Christie said the chairs are ergonomically designed for the health of students and staff members.
Not everyone finds the chairs altogether comfortable.
“I think the back rests might go back too far,” senior Bobby Meeder said. “The engineering should be better if it costs that much.”
The final verdict from users is not unanimous. But the purchasers stand by their choice.
“This purchase was particularly efficient in terms of cost and quality,” Christie said. “We are particularly proud of that purchase.”
It wouldn't be that state that gets audited, but the J school by the Reynolds Foundation. RJI was funded by the grant from the Reynolds Foundation, which already audits the J school's use of its money. So the question is whether the J school best used its gift from the foundation, not whether anyone should be audited.
I can agree with that. Did they actually use the funding to the utmost that it could have been used?
When it comes to $800.00 chairs my answer is still no.
It does look like though somebody needs to be looked at as in whomever is in charge of the distribution of these funds and were they actually responsible enough for that job.
This reminds me of Government Waste of buying the Screw Driver for $1 Million when you can go to Ace Hardware and get the same Screw Driver for $2.99 on sale.
That is your own view and opinion but couldn't that money wasted on high quality chairs been better invested in a little less cost on those chairs and better put into another venue of spending needs?
Nothing in this building was paid for by State or student money. So let the State audit away, this is not the states money to spend. This money was given with the expectation that it would be used to build a state of the art building and that the furniture would match the look of the building. And as someone who has to buy office furniture often, this is a really good price for this type of chair.
What a huge waste of money this is. Maybe the State should Audit their books.
That funny, because they have tons of chairs in surplus. I'm glad to see where *our* money is going.
Pork, anyone?
those things are worth $800!?? dang.
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