The Tuesday, Nov. 12 Student Government Association (SGA) meeting’s open forum session featured a hot button issue that has spurred student controversy since Jean Wilwohl, associate director of occupancy management for Residential and Commuter Life (RCL), announced the upcoming Longwood Village changes at the October 29 Senate meeting.
As Wilwohl reported during her previous visit, RCL and university administrators made the decision to transition Longwood Village apartments from three to four-room apartments by changing the C room to double occupancy. Wilwohl said it was a difficult decision but would allow 94 more students to live in Longwood- managed housing after the 2014 closing of the Cunningham Residence Halls.
Senator Ronnie Brown reported that a number of students have called the RCL offices and made rude comments regarding the change. He said it is important for students to understand that several individuals finalized the decision and it was not made lightly.
Vice President Steven Sommer added that while students can disagree with the decision, it is necessary to have more beds on campus.
Tristan Cunningham, RCL Advisory Board representative, said 94 students not being able to live in Longwood-managed housing next year would have been a huge issue. He said it is important to highlight the benefits of this decision, as students will be able to live in apartment-style living at Longwood Village at a fraction of the usual cost. He added that students can apply to live in off-campus apartments if they do not want to live in the Longwood Village four-bedroom apartments.
Senator Haley Socha, chair of the Student Services Committee, suggested that there be an open forum session to address students’ questions and concerns, particularly for students who plan to return to live in Longwood Village.
Executive Senator Jessica Darst suggested that this event be publicized and RCL can direct any callers to the meeting.
Sommer added that the Board of Visitors (BOV) has approved a tentative plan for a residence hall wing near ARC Residence Hall to address the decrease in on-campus housing. He said there is still no predicted time frame for the construction of this building.
The Senate addressed several more issues during open forum. Senator O’Neishea Edmonds said that the potholes at Longwood Village that she mentioned during a previous open forum session were only partially filled. This concern was referred to Student Services.
Brandon Kelly, Virginia 21 representative, suggested that OrcaTV, also known as LancerAds, feature live updates of basketball games.
SGA President Haley Vest reported that a Longwood University student allegedly ran into the middle of the street in front of a car on a recent Thursday at 2 a.m. The student reportedly did not use a crosswalk and shouted expletives at the driver. Vest said this was brought up during a Town Council meeting and stressed the importance of students not repeating these kinds of actions.
Vest added that the Office of Student Affairs is looking into a student health insurance plan, which Kelly brought up during a previous meeting.
While Vest attempted to bring a Redbox kiosk on or near campus, she said that the company has corporate details with certain companies such as Walmart and is not open to striking a deal with corporations that are a short walking distance from campus.
Historian Paige Rollins then brought the constitution for Virginia 21 to the Senate, which was approved. The organization aims to involve Longwood students in Virginia 21 activities and address nonpartisan issues that affect college students.
Treasurer Alex Julian brought forward one reallocation on behalf of the Student Finance Committee. The Senate passed SFC’s motion to reallocate $1,157.98 to Student Health Partners.
Vest plans to invite Margo Potts, director of the Student Health and Wellness Center, to an SGA meeting in the near future to address any student comments or concerns. Check The Rotunda for updates on this possible open forum.
Next week, the SGA will meet at their usual meeting location in the BC rooms of Lankford Student Union at 3:45 p.m.
