The first issue discussed in this week’s SGA meeting was parking. Parking issues will be addressed next week with a representative from Parking Services, who will attend the meeting. Some concerns that were raised during the discussion were that faculty spots were not filled, while commuter spots were constantly being filled, where money collected from tickets goes toward and that students are unable to use financial aid to purchase parking passes.
Sanitary issues in Lancer Park were also brought to discussion. There have been reports of hazards, such as a hanging installation in a walkway. The issues have been noticed for three weeks and many SGA members felt strongly about the necessity of these matters being resolved. Adam Fletcher proposed “…if we all bombard them (maintenance) with work orders, they will see the problem and are typically fast with getting the problem solved…”
Outta Here became a topic of discussion with the food being served and how the lack of options posed an area of concern for those seeking vegetarian options or general healthy options.
On the minds of many students at Longwood is Oktoberfest, which seemed to be an area of concern considering what the backup plan was if the rain continued the pattern of this week. Dr. Tim Pierson says that he has talked with Susan Sullivan, the director of the Office of Student Union and Involvement, and that for past Oktoberfest events. The backup plan was to move the event into Willett Hall. The decision of whether or not a move will be necessary will be made today or Thursday. For now, Color Wars will stay on Iler Field regardless of the threat of rain.
SGA members brought up issues about Greenwood Library’s uncleanliness and early closing times. There were complaints about how the computers and desks were dirty. A solution proposed for this issue was either cleaning stations or Lysol wipes. Either of these would provide staff and students to efficiently clean workspaces. As far as early closing times, the library currently closes at 5:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, which doesn’t allow students a workplace for consistent silence outside of those hours.
The Health and Wellness Center is in the process of revamping their system to make it more convenient for patients to have confidentiality with their concerns rather than speaking over the phone on private matters. An online system was suggested.
It was announced that the Campus Safety Walk is on Monday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. Requests have been made for emergency blue poles to be placed in secluded areas such as the Landings.
The freshman voting for SGA representatives was opened on Tuesday, September 29. Freshmen must vote online in order to participate.
The Women’s Club Basketball Constitution was approved with unison from the SGA.
This week’s FCC report focused on adding a bylaw that if an organization had missed the meetings and deadlines from the previous month before October 1, the frozen funds from the organization would be able to be reallocated to other organizations. This would prevent the loss of funds at the end of the fiscal year, which would be in the thousands.
The Advisors Report addressed the rumors regarding students having to leave campus because of the Vice-Presidential debate. Dr. Pearson reassured SGA that these rumors are false. He continued to say that student life is wanted on campus, but that portions of campus may be blocked off. It was made clear that nothing was finalized.
All SGA members agreed to keep the spirits of Oktoberfest high considering the warning of rain.
The next SGA meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 6 at 3:45 p.m. in the ABC rooms of the Student Union.
