Editor’s note: This story has been updated and corrected. The story incorrectly reported that revenue from University Enterprises, Inc. would pay for a new electronic sign that will be erected on campus in the fall.

University Enterprises, Inc. presented its mission, accomplishments and future endeavors to the Faculty Senate on Thursday, amid debate over the bookstore and inflated book prices.

Matthew Altier, vice president for planning for University Enterprises, Inc., fielded complaints about the lack of older editions of books, book prices compared to Internet retailers and the layout of the bookstore, which forces customers to walk through aisles of merchandise to get to the stairs leading to the books.

“Every one of the buildings owned by University Enterprises, Inc. have to pay the mortgage,” Altier said. This includes the bookstore, a University Enterprises, Inc.-funded project managed by a private company.

Several faculty senators brought frustration and concern about book prices and operation of the bookstore to the discussion.

Juanita Barrena, professor of biological sciences, proposed that students be told to boycott the bookstore for one semester and get the textbooks online.

Altier pointed out that textbooks are the least profitable things sold in the bookstore.

One of the biggest money-losers to University Enterprises, Inc. is the University Restaurant, Altier said.

“It is a nice thing to have,” he said.

Future projects proposed by University Enterprises, Inc. include a tram to carry students from the light rail station to campus and a low-cost community living area for faculty.

University Enterprises, Inc. is also working with Clear Channel Outdoors to erect a new electronic sign that will be visible from Highway 50. The university will receive $740,000

Altier said that University Enterprises, Inc. cannot fund academic classrooms because of its non-profit status.

“There are only two sources of funding for classrooms,” Altier said. “One is the statewide education bonds, and the other is private donations.”

State bonds are distributed among 23 California State University campuses based on need, and private donations are rare, Altier said.

Derek Fleming can be reached at [email protected]