Money is being wasted on expensive curtains for the student center and an “industrial hygienist” that does not exist, the NIU student regent said Sunday.

In a scathing speech to the Student Association senate, Student Regent James Mertes said between $30,000 and $60,000 was spent for the industrial hygienist job that has not been filled for a year.

“I don’t even know what an industrial hygienist does. I don’t even know what it means,” he said. “Where does that money go? It goes where it is needed in the Regency system, where it is needed in the university.

“That is what I have been told. But I am going to leave that up to you to decide,” he said.

Mertes also criticized the remodeling of the Holmes Student Center.

“The university that pays that $18,000 to put nice new drapes in the university Skyroom is the same university that is going to be charging you higher tuition rates next year,” Mertes said. “Is that efficient and accountable spending? I don’t think so.”

Mertes also has criticized the Board of Regents, who governs NIU, for paying about $164,000 yearly for the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Economic Development, a new position.

He said nobody knows what that job title means.

The senate reacted by passing an acclamation condemning the Board of Regents for the new position and for plans to raise tuition.

An acclamation is the strongest message the senate can send.

Mertes was not exact about what he will do about his accusations, but promised he would do something. “This is the first step,” he said.