In this week’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, Vice President for Administration and Finance Louise Waller came to senate to give updates on the announcement of the closing of Longwood Village.
Waller said that they strive to structure a strong financial portfolio and when making a decision like this, they look at the future of their buildings and what makes financial sense. She added that the university did not intend on closing the Village so soon.
“Realistically we did not think that it would happen this way,” she said.
The closing of the Village means that the university will be saving money on maintenance and housing. It also makes Longwood’s portfolio stronger as campus will be more walkable, which is what the university strives to do in their master plan.
Waller also added that students who were planning on “squatting” their rooms have been notified and are being given the opportunity to choose housing at either Lancer Park or the Landings.
In Special Orders of the Day, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Onie McKenzie came to speak to senate about the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). She explained what the survey was and urged the freshmen and seniors to take it.
The survey is administered on a three-year rotation to all first-years and seniors, and assesses the university on Civitae, SCHEV, Civic Engagement, and Diversity and Inclusion.
She added that students who take the survey will be entered into a drawing for $50 in Lancer Cash and can also get coupons for free queso at Moe’s and free food at Panda Express.
Freshmen and seniors can take the assessment through the link sent to their live mail accounts or by going to Solomon and following the link.
In New Business, senate approved two new clubs, barbell club and bowling club. Both can begin interest meetings and begin meeting as a club effective immediately.
In the President’s Report, Haleigh Pannell emphasized the importance of the Citizen Leader Awards and urged senate to nominate students and faculty. Nominations are open until March 9 and can be accessed via e-mail or through the QR code on a flier.
The next SGA meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 3:45 p.m. inside of the Wilson Chamber at the Upchurch University Center.
Vice President Tim Pierson answering housing accommodation related questions for members of SGA.
