In this week’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, the SGA did a second reading of a proposed mental health clause that can potentially go in professors’ future syllabi.
The mental health clause was also voted on by SGA unanimously, meaning that it will be recommended to faculty as a standard brief of information on mental health services available to students.
The clause includes information on where Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is and what other resources students can use in case of anxiety, depression and other student stressors.
During open forum, Senator Chyanne Correa asked what the standard was for relating mental health to the Office of Disability Resources (ODR).
Correa said there may be instances where students cannot get their work done efficiently due to mental health problems and expressed that there should be accommodations surrounding that issue.
Senator and Vice Treasure Joseph Atkins said that there are mental health accommodations, but students must have to see a psychologist for a mental health examination.
Senator Kiersten Freedman said there's a problem with dryers in Longwood Village apartments, and the point that the problem with laundry equipment may be a campus-wide problem.
President Kevin Napier said if there’s a problem with a specific dryer, students should take a picture of the identification number on the dryer and email it to Associate Director of Residential Operations Doug Howell.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Representative Catherine Swinksy brought up the concern among students on fire marshals possibly not giving proper notice before entering rooms for inspections.
Swinsky suggested that SGA reach out to Residential and Commuter Life (RCL) to get a better understanding of the procedure that takes place with fire marshals so students can make sure to be better prepared for inspections.
Senior Class President Praise Nyambiya responded by saying the purpose of the fire marshal inspections is to make sure that students are abiding by not only Longwood policy but state policy as well.
Nyambiya said with fire marshals coming with little to no notice, it ensures that students don’t necessarily have time to get rid of items that are not permitted by Longwood or state regulations.
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Tim Pierson said no one can enter a student’s room without any notice.
Longwood University Police Department (LUPD) Chief Robert Beach also told SGA the room entry policy states that fire marshals can’t enter a room without two people or an RCL advisor.
Hannah Prem, Jack Harmon and Haleigh Pannell were sworn in as senators.
The next SGA meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 3:50 p.m. in the Martinelli Board Room located in the Maugans Alumni Center.
SGA strives to better mental health on campus with the final vote on the mental health clause in their meeting on Feb. 13, 2018.
SGA strives to better mental health on campus with the final vote on the mental health clause in their meeting on Feb. 13, 2018.
SGA strives to better mental health on campus with the final vote on the mental health clause in their meeting on Feb. 13, 2018.
SGA strives to better mental health on campus with the final vote on the mental health clause in their meeting on Feb. 13, 2018.
