Kansas University employees and retirees are no longer able to purchase family passes to the Robinson Center swimming pool, and that has some families steamed.

“I believe it is poor public relations to unilaterally make a change without any explanation to the current, as well as the retired, faculty and staff,” Charlyne Michnick wrote in a recent letter to KU Provost David Shulenburger.

“This is one more action that erodes the morale of all at the university.”

A similar letter was sent to Shulenburger by Michnick’s husband, senior scientist emeritus Michael Michnick. He noted that his wife and many other staff wives have worked to help the university with events and activities without pay for many years. The passes were one way of repaying them, he said.

Many others agreed.

“It was a great service and I’m extremely disappointed it is being discontinued,” said Leellyan Tuel, whose husband, Gene Tuel, is a KU religious adviser.

Families had been paying $50 for the passes. Many are just now finding out about their discontinuation.

“I see this in the same vein as previous decisions that have been poorly thought out by KU, particularly as it affects a small number of people,” said Grant Goodman, professor emeritus. “These decisions are extremely penny-wise and pound-foolish.”

¢KU Recreation Services

Shulenburger couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday. But Jerry Phillips, facility director at Robinson, said the move was necessary because he was no longer receiving student fees with the opening of the new Student Recreation and Fitness Center. The new center essentially is taking the place of Robinson, although it doesn’t have a pool.

Phillips, however, held out hope that some type of new agreement could be reached on the matter. He said he planned to consult with Shulenburger.

Fran Breslauer has taken advantage of the pass for years. Breslauer, whose husband, Dan, is a religious studies professor, enjoyed going to the gym at 6 a.m. and using the pool and other facilities.

“It was really a good way to bridge ‘town and gown,'” she said.

If nothing changes, Michael Michnick is prepared to go a step further and contact the KU Endowment Association.

“I’m going to pull out my money,” he said.