This week’s Student Government Association (SGA) was started off with a moment of silence for Brussels, Belgium and all of their losses from yesterday’s terror attacks.
Other important matters discussed included a new diversity statement that would hold the same weight as the current Honor Code at Longwood University, SGA approved a motion to support this statement. The next step in the process is to have regulations put on the statement as well as tweaking the statement as a whole.
New Lancer Days, held for incoming freshman, will also incorporate the diversity statement into their programs for students and their parents.
The Constitution for the Rotunda was approved by the SGA that specifically adds a position as app manager. This position will include posting about the app on social media to obtain more followers on the app. The app manager will also be in charge of reaching out to local businesses to inform them about advertising on the app.
Senator Mark Barham brought up the idea for Longwood to close the university on November 8 in the fall to allow for students to make voting a priority. Barham reflected on his personal experience that in previous years, the voting process can take up to one hour at a time that wasn’t busy.
Dr. Tim Pierson, Vice President of Student Affairs, added how the polls are open from typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., that is a large range for students to vote when is most convenient for them. Pierson also added that in previous years, Longwood has held extra shuttles for students that go directly to the polling stations.
Senator Liz Greenwood suggested creating the same effect that Reading Day has, where clubs and organizations cannot meet on that day to free up more of the students time to participate in voting.
Senator Shawn White touched on the recent tragedy in Brussels with the attacks and how with the Vice Presidential Debate coming up in the fall if Longwood had a plan in place for if something along the same lines were to happen during that time. White also suggested that a drill be put in place to give students an idea of what the safety measures would look like.
SGA elections will be starting this upcoming Thursday, March 24 lasting for a week. President Constance Garner added that in order for the election to count 1/6 of campus must participate.
Lastly, Garner mentioned and elaborated the success of Relay for Life this previous Friday, with the total amount of funds raised hovering around $77,000.
