The Student Government Association’s (SGA) open forum began with a call to question if there was anything Longwood could do to show support in missing UVA student Hannah Graham’s disappearance and ongoing investigation. President Joseph Gills supported the motion and advised suggestion for Spirit Committee to set up work on that.
Treasurer Jessica Darst brought up “exciting news,” as recent ideas of possible added library hours have been questioned. Darst has been in contact with the Dean of Greenwood Library, Suzy Szasz Palmer, and noted she has asked Palmer to come and speak to SGA about library hours for future meetings to come. Issues of allergies in the dining hall were called to question.
Senator Ryan Carey offered that Dhall should be equipped with EpiPen (epinephrine) auto-injectors in case of allergic reactions. She asked if there was any way dining hall services could “get certified” to have an EpiPen on hand, however, Senator
Constance Garner stated they have to be prescribed. Representative of Dining Services, Gina DeMarco, commented on the matter, encouraging students to reach out to senior Food Service Director of dining hall, Grant Avent, and to also acknowledge that Avent sends out weekly dining hall menus that help students with allergies and intolerances. Gills then added that the Hampden-Sydney pool will now be open for students to use when they bring their Longwood student ID. Gills stated, “I will send out [an] email” to confirm the use of the Hampden-Sydney pool for Longwood students, in hopes to use it for the remainder of the semester.
Announcements began as Vice President Adam Fletcher announced that he will attend a Town Council Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 8, and Gills will continue contact with the mayor of Farmville.
Moving into Historian Ellen Kensy’s report, the Career Advising Center is set to change their name under the University Advising Center, the constitution needs to be now under a new name; motion passes.
Senator India White stressed the need of more members for the Diversity and Social Justice Committee. Gills asked if the committee had anything else coming up. Senator White mentioned a possible “...start [of an] incident report, if SGA could sphere head that.” Senator Jessica Hamilton reminded senate about the Spirit Committee meeting at 3:30 Wednesday, Oct. 8, and the idea of carpooling students to pools, as well as setting up a support plan for Hannah Graham. Moving to New Business, Darst began with the SFC report and allocations. First, Darst moved to allocate $916.42 to Longwood’s NAACP chapter, who asked for money to cover a DJ, bus rental, fund for a banner and party décor. Senior Class President, Paige Rollins, advised senate board members that it is important to stay consistent for all allocations in voting. Senator Leighan
Worden mentioned for future allocations that “we can offer WMLU to reach out” for DJ funding and playlists. Senator Monte Harrison agreed, stating WMLU to play for them, “why does [the] organization have to go through finding a playlist when [our] radio station could provide.” Worden added the reoccurring issue with WMLU and offered that students and advisors of WMLU sit down with SGA to speak on DJing and help with music for organizational events. Gills added he understands SGA puts a lot of money to fund WMLU, “so I will set up meeting with WMLU.” Darst then moved to allocate money for Peer Health Educators, a student led organization that works with Wellness Coordinator through health promotion.
Worden advised for future reference, “we should be able to know what will be in kits before we approve money.” Darst made a point of clarification in that Peer Health have followed up with what they’ve asked for. A Peer Health representative stated that the organization is known for Red Flag Campaign, as well as alcohol awareness seminars and finding alternative ways to have fun. Motion passes for allocation of $4,309.58 to Peer Health Educators. $353 was called to the
Longwood Gaming club for seven small prizes, no representatives were present for the club. Senator Natalie Joseph also added, “if club representatives do not show up, it’s hard to vote on allocations.” Questions arose for prizes needed, as well as the date of the event, supposedly occurring Oct. 25 and 26. Darst mentions that the senate has time until then to come back and vote. For now, motion failed.
Dr. Tim Pierson called to recognize a “great job on Oktoberfest.” He enjoyed seeing Longwood continue traditions and making Longwood’s spirit unique.
Dr. Pierson also added for senate to “take stock for reflection” during Fall Break, reminding the board to focus on what is going on and the accomplishments of every individual. He stated that “time is precious, it’s fall break already,” as this semester is going by fast. SGA is determined to cover campus issues such as waste and trash, FAB bus concerns, as well as lighting on main campus, which are issues easily taken care of for this semester. Moving into announcements, Rollins reminded board that
Greek Week is coming up. The “theme will be coming up soon, Greek Sync will be on Monday Nov. 10.” Hamilton announced an upcoming “Haunted house” event on Oct. 23. They are in need of students to assist in setting up for the event.
Joseph next stated, “get ready,” as Lancer Madness is back. Wednesday, Oct. 29 will be when the big event takes place. Dr. Pierson talked about putting out a brief survey monkey for students, touching on the subject of student awareness, consciousness and consent for Longwood University students. He added that it would be short, taking only five minutes to complete.
Fletcher reminded the board that Longwood Ambassadors will be holding a “Ghost stories” event, so they should come out and support the event on Oct. 27, time and location to be announced soon.
