By now, just about everyone at Brandeis is aware that the University is in a bit of a budget crunch. The faculty indicated the degree to which the University is experiencing a time of crisis in its recent decision to take pay cuts.To improve its financial situation, the school administration has reacted in a typical fashion. It has laid off some employees, cut certain costs and increased tuition and other fees.

But ultimately, the best way to get us out of this situation is to pursue initiatives that will bring in additional revenue in the long run. Despite incurring costs in the short run, long-range endeavors will eventually give the University the monetary boost it needs. Such projects will not only accomplish this goal but also help get our name out there and give students something extra to do with their time.

The school can offer more services to students in general. A barber shop? A movie theater? A travel agency? A personal room-cleaning service? Maybe even retail stores.

Lots of schools have some of these. State University of New York at Binghamton has a bowling alley. Univeristy of Maryland at College Park boasts the Hoff movie theater. It's all good, as long as the school is gaining back some money without endangering its not-for-profit status.

The University could also institute a cover charge on events hosted by clubs on campus, such as debate tournaments, Model U.N., mock trial and sports games. Fees should be charged to the students from other schools that are using our facilities.

On a similar note, we could find new, potentially profitable ways to use one of the school's greatest assets-its grounds and facilities. For instance, the administration rents out its buildings to alumni and the public for ceremonies and events. I would encourage doing more of this. Underutilized property equals lost revenue opportunities.

We could also open up new food franchises on campus and gain money from the companies that we are offering space to. Admit it: By now we are all kind of sick of Quiznos, though its opening was a step in the right direction. How about, say, a Chipotle or a Panera Bread or, for people who want to get back at Quiznos, a Subway? There are over 5,000 potentially hungry individuals on campus; some of them, like I am, might be looking for something new to eat.

Administrators should also ensure that these initiatives would be popular via polls. The last thing they would want during these tough economic times is an expensive new enterprise that has been neglected by those individuals on campus who could have taken advantage of it.

In addition, there could be some backlash to commercializing our school. After all, some students came to Brandeis because it is relatively mellow and peaceful. However, I'm calling for some simple additions and modifications to the school that can help alleviate the budget crisis on campus, not a complete makeover.

The road ahead has many difficult financial challenges in store for Brandeis. Let us hope that we can get out of this budget crunch and that some of these long-range propositions can help raise the funds necessary to keep the University economically stable in the future.