SGA Discusses Illness Documentation, Emergency Alert System & Student Escorts

At the Tues., Nov. 17 meeting of the Student Government Association (SGA), Director of Student Health and Wellness Center Margo Potts came to speak about H1N1 and problem with students missing class due to illness.Potts said it was up to each individual professor when dealing with a case of absences due to illness. All of the professors have been encouraged to be mindful of the illnesses on campus and be more lenient with absences. Professors, however, are not required to do so. "Student that feel an impact on their grade can chose to file a grade appeal" explained Potts.

Longwood has received the H1N1 vaccine. They have 800 more doses that will be given out over the week in two different flu clinics. There is a flu clinic for students tonight, Wed. Nov.18 from 7-9 p.m. in the A room of the Student Union. Another flu clinic for faculty and staff will take place in the B room of the student union from 2-5 p.m. tomorrow Thurs., Nov. 19.

Senator Brian Mandeville said some students were upset because they were not able to get proof from the Health and Wellness Center for illnesses.

Potts said that in the past, the Health and Wellness Center would notify the Dean's office and professors could chose to check with the Dean's office if need be. Now since there has been such an increase in illnesses, the Health and Wellness Center has decided to give students who have been diagnosed, told to go home or self-isolate documentation for proof for the professor. Potts stressed the documentation is not an excused absence, but simply proof of illness and action that was taken.

During the open forum segment of the meeting, senators voiced their concerns about various issues on campus. Some students asked why the alert system was not sounded for the fire that occurred at the Landings on Monday night. SGA President Cameron Patterson explained that the emergency alert system is used when there an emergency affecting the whole campus.

There is a concern for students having trouble securing an escort to walk them back to their dorms, especially when they park in the Wynne parking lot late at night. Senator Jameka Jones said she called for an escort and had to wait 20 minutes for a ride.

Students are also expressing concerns about the diversity council on campus. Senators talked about how Longwood keeps throwing "we are diverse" in everyone's face, and some senators feel like it is a red flag that Longwood really is not that diverse.

There are nine candidates remaining in the Presidential Search. They are moving into the interview process. However, for the safety and security of the candidates, the interviews are not announced to the campus and will occur at undisclosed locations.

The Senate was supposed to vote on there three resolutions today, but because several senators had to leave before the 5:30 conclusion of the meeting the Senate lost quorum and was not able to vote. There was a debate over pushing back the election process, and several senators became upset over the fact that the SGA is supposed to be in session from 3:45-5:30, and several senators left at 5:00 p.m.

The resolutions will be voted on at the last meeting of the semester. The last meeting will take place on Tues., Dec. 1 at 3:45 in the AB room of the Student Union.