The Student Government Association (SGA) meeting opened with the presentation of the Rowe Award, last week’s Freshman Class Representative, Dustyn Hall, presented the award to Senator Constance Garner.
WMLU radio station representatives, General Manager, Scott Baldwin and Program Director, Jason Tsai spoke to SGA members on recent talk of WMLU DJing organizational events. To clarify steps for DJ requests WMLU advises to go to wmlu.org to request forms, state organization, event, special requests, date and time, etc. Be specific, “we prefer two weeks prior,” to date of the request. The remote director then sends a “confirmation” that correlates that the request is pending. They will contact the organization, and if not, “we let the organization know three days prior.”
Senator Leighan Worden pointed out that in the past couple of years it has been hard for organizations to hear back, and followed up with a question asking what WMLU is doing to improve catered event times.
Tsai answered saying that WMLU is taking “the proper steps” to make sure that it will not happen again. Currently, there are 16 active DJ’s on WMLU, in which each DJ is assigned for each day out of the week, for equipment set, as well as going through the whole process. Tsai explained that WMLU “cannot play music that does not conform within community standards,” that is WMLU has to take the proper precautions to make sure music falls under the program standards. Tsai also advises when making a request, “be as specific as possible,” in regards to music selection. WMLU wants diverse programming and is there “to serve you,” added Tsai. WMLU also made a point of clarification that under policy, they cannot play music off of YouTube. The WMLU website has a forum for all requests, Tsai added, “to respond to question of tardiness, we do apologize for that,” stating that Dj’d events playing should be prompt and ready upon event.
Senior Class President, Paige Rollins was curious as to if WMLU felt comfortable making changes to forum, as such for specific songs, “maybe investing in portable hot spots.” SGA hopes to work with WMLU on all on-campus related events, as a contact for a list of requests. Tsai also stated that “we’re completely a student run service,” as WMLU members have respective positions, stating they would love more members on WMLU, and would be “happy to train” anyone interested in working with or DJing events for WMLU.
Under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines listed on the website, WMLU are based on “community standards,” as main focuses are Longwood student based, as well as the community of Farmville who listens as well. When playing music, WMLU radio complies with guidelines for radio programming. WMLU committee is in constant change to their constitution “every year to meet needs of the community” and to keep updated.
WMLU spoke on matters that cannot play “profanity” on radio station. However, closed Longwood based parties are allowed to play music of their choice of programming for events and organizations. Tsai and Baldwin explained that it is important for Djs to be responsible for fines if not following guidelines, as DJs want to cater to the organization’s scheduled event, as well as following guidelines of FCC.
WMLU and senate members discussed a possible “greater submission time” to provide service for an organization’s needs on music selections. For providing better service for organizations and events for Longwood, WMLU is “doing very best to train [DJ’s]” for event plans as it is for the organization’s event. President Joseph Gills added, “WMLU does a lot for us, and we appreciate everything you do, please let us know if there is anything SGA can do.” Tsai added, WMLU is “happy to help,” with any specific concerns.
Open Forum was next, discussing registration issues as many students had “glitches,” and some seniors could not complete registration because of this, explained Worden.
Another registration issue that arose is that English 400 “filled up before half the seniors had registered,” stated Treasurer Jessica Darst. Professors did not override any students. Darst spoke on the issue, with idea of possibility of “more courses could be offered” for students so they will not be set back due to the few number of courses needed.
Students with food allergies have issues to be exempt from the Dining Hall. They are “concerned about student health,” as many have allergic reactions and many need to avoid certain foods served at the Dining Hall, as there are “not many options” and are concerned with having to purchase a meal plan when they are not able to eat “most of the food,” due to allergies. Garner advised to meet after meeting for discussion.
R.C.L. Representative, Savannah Barnett stated “some students have requested to put in a camera” near the commuter lots for safety purposes.
Gills moved to Orders of the Day, stating he will keep a follow up with WMLU, adding, this Saturday, Nov. 8 at 5pm is the basketball game against Hampton Sydney. “Make sure we have a lot of support,” added Gills. 900 wristbands will be handed out instead of tickets at the game, added Executive Senator, Natalie Joseph.
Campus Safety Walk is next Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7pm meeting at Chi fountain, as well as handing out information for the walk. Garner explained she had a “productive meeting” with Doug Howell, Residential and Commuter Life staff, on how to fix the issue regarding last week’s overflown trash shoots near Curry and Frazer.
Dr. Tim Pierson added on academic issues over registration, to “get word to the registrars office, so it can be “targeted quick.”” Adding that faculty is working to establish “well known hours” for dining hall, library and other rec hours, on upcoming winter snow days.
Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7pm MTV’s the Buried Life is coming to speak, in Jarman.
Senate board meeting called to close.
