This week’s meeting involved a substantial amount of disagreement among SGA members. Several different topics of conversation were brought up involving numerous incidents.
Senator Tonisha Pitchford shared her experience at BSA’s All That Jazz Night, which took place on Thursday, April 21 in the Nance Room of Dorrill Dining Hall. Pitchford explained that a suspicious individual came and photographed students at the event, as well as took food that was provided for the event and placed it in a bag to go.
Pitchford took the issue to the Longwood University Police Department (LUPD) in the hopes of making them aware for the need for security at student events, especially at an event which took place after 5 p.m.
Pitchford stated that LUPD apologized for their absence at the event and have the picture of the individual on file. LUPD discovered that the individual was homeless, according to Pitchford.
Treasurer Dustyn Hall also allegedly shared an encounter with the same individual at Greenwood Library. Hall stated the individual made him uncomfortable, ultimately resulting in him having to move his location.
Senator Mark Barham reinforced the fact that if someone does not feel safe in a situation, they should call the police to check up on the matter.
WMLU became a topic of discussion when a member of the gallery spoke on her experience with the organization. The member informed the SGA that she had experienced a difficult time getting in contact with the organization with several emails and phone calls, which resulted in reaching out to the advisor of the organization.
Former President Constance Garner added that the organization had recently received funds from SGA in order to recover from a bill not being paid on time due to lack of communication via email.
Dr. Tim Pierson, vice president of Student Affairs, inquired about the feelings towards the possibility of reducing the hours of Java City from 2 a.m. to midnight instead during the upcoming exam week.
Pierson added that Grant Avent, the director of Food Service, said sales from last semester show no profit during those two hours, as well as minimal activity in the space.
Senator Liz Greenwood spoke in disagreement with the proposal by saying that it’s the time when students need coffee and an extra study space the most.
The SGA were in unison about the necessity for students to have the space open during finals week.
Pierson updated the SGA with the Diversity Statement, which is in the process of being finalized, headed by senior Quincy Goodine.
Pierson stated the statement has received a lot of feedback and that it will ultimately be on behalf of the student body rather than the university.
Another member of the gallery suggested to have a system put in place at the Student Health & Wellness Center where students can type in their ‘L’ number in order to have access in the case where they have forgotten their card.
Former Press Secretary Victoria Walker added that as a past employee, there is no system currently in place in order to do so, but some employees would complete the action out of sympathy.
The constitution for the March of Dimes organization was approved by the SGA. This organization has a mission to bring awareness to premature babies and raise funds for the cause.
The constitution for the Sports Leisure Industry Management organization (SLIM) was approved by the SGA. This organization has a mission to learn how to excel in the sports industry and have a networking outlet for the sports industry as well.
This concluded the final SGA meeting of the semester.
