In this week’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting the topic of cost for students to attend public universities was raised by Senator Mark Barham as many other members of the SGA held discussion on the matter.
Barham inquired if Longwood University currently hosted an open forum run by SGA that would allow students to voice their opinions on the matter.
Treasurer Jessica Darst elaborated on the topic with how in years past SGA has held open forums about sensitive issues. Darst continued on to say that open forum takes place every week at the SGA meetings that students may attend to voice concerns.
Dr. Tim Pierson, Vice President for Student Affairs, mentioned that since President Reveley has been the president, Longwood has been able to stay well under the 3% mark in terms of tuition increases. Pierson continued on to say that leaders in Virginia are making efforts to continue that trend in the commonwealth.
The status of potential speakers for the Vice Presidential Debate was also brought up by Senator Shawn White. He expressed concern that the university hasn’t chosen one yet with the debate nearly six months away.
Cheryl Steele, Associate Dean for Student Engagement, elaborated by reading off about 30 names that were suggested by students as to who they would like to see speak during the debate. Names included Oprah Winfrey, Jon Stewart and Ellen DeGeneres as well as many more. Steele reassured White that preparation for the event as far as planning goes is ahead of schedule.
President Constance Garner mentioned that the debate committee makes the final decision as to whom the guest speakers will be.
A member of the gallery spoke on behalf of the Longwood Young Democrats looking to broadcast the upcoming mock debate between the Longwood Young Republicans and the Longwood Young Democrats.
The representative was looking to potential stream the broadcast live on the Longwood University website. Topics will include economy, gun control and minimum wage. There will be three members from each side debating. The debate will take place on Apr. 6 at 7p.m. in Blackwell Ballroom.
Garner encouraged the SGA to advertise that voting for SGA members is open until Thursday and currently has 664 people that have voted as of Tuesday. The organization needs to have 1/6 campus participation in order for the vote to count, which is 750, needing 100 more people to participate before a second election is put in place.
Garner informed the SGA that the freshman class has received the lowest voter turnout in relation to the other student classes.
Senior Class President, Natalie Joseph advertised that the senior class is looking for ideas that students what to see at Longwood in the future. Darst suggested that the senior class host an event that could entail giving away free items or even holding a band.
Executive Senator Chyanne Trowell felt that a tangible object would be more significant for future students to appreciate rather than a one-time event.
