The Student Government Association (SGA) started off their Oct. 7 meeting with visitors from the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Working Group and the Registrar’s Office.
Dr. Jake Milne, QEP working group member and assistant professor of sociology, explained the QEP to the Senate. In order to receive reaffirmation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Longwood University must develop a QEP to develop a certain academic are. The university’s topic is academic research and inquiry, which Milne said should be implemented in fall 2014.
Milne said the QEP is meant to enhance three main academic competencies: writing, critical thinking and oral expression. Professors will have the chance to have their English 150, mid -level,research/inquiry and senior capstone courses observed for possible financial incentives.
Vikki Levine, registrar, also came before the Senate. She mentioned that out of approximately 800 students who graduated in 2013, five “irate” students called the Registrar’s Office complaining about the fact that the graduates’ diplomas simply displayed their degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) instead of their specific major.
After receiving the complaints, Levine said she decided to be more transparent with students about the process. She said the Registrar’s Office could send students their transcripts as well, which do define students’ majors.
However, Webmaster Kasey Haddock pointed out that some students were upset that their major was not printed on their diploma because of the time and effort they dedicated to their major.
Levine said students can email her with any questions or concerns about this issue at levinevj@longwood.edu. In the near future, she plans to bring the subject of the large size of the diplomas to the SGA.
The SGA then began open forum. Brandon Kelly, Virginia 21 representative, said students have voiced concerns about the Office of Parking Services allegedly closing before the formal close time of 3 p.m. due to the fact that the workers are reportedly part-time.
Senator O’Neishea Edmonds reported that last weekend’s Oktoberfest was a successful event with a great turnout. Senator Joe Gills commended the Geist Chapter of Mortar Board on their hard work in putting on Oktoberfest.
Historian Paige Rollins then brought constitutions and amendments to the Senate for approval.
The SGA approved the Public Relations Student Society of America, which aims to provide all students, but especially communication studies/ organizational communication and business majors, with the opportunity to perform public relations work with peers and professionals.
The Accounting Association’s constitution underwent several amendments, which the SGA also approved.
Treasurer Alex Julian brought forward several allocations on behalf of the Student Finance Committee (SFC).
On behalf of SFC, Julian moved to allocate $2,000 to the Order of Omega for food, beverages and security for the Greek Ball. While there was a debate about the fact that the event was new and should be given a chance, an unfriendly amendment to decrease the $1,525.60 food line item to $350 passed. The new grand total of $824.40 was approved.
The Senate then approved the motion to allocate $4,360 to Relay for Life, $934 to Baptist Collegiate Ministries, $10 to Chess Club, $420 to the Longwood University Emergency Response Team, $500 to the Student Health Partners for a haunted house late night event and $100.95 to the SGA for delivery and tax costs of the previously allocated $1,200 leather couch. The Senate also re-allocated $4,150 to SEAL.
Due to the university’s Fall Break, there will not be an SGA meeting next week. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 22 in the BC rooms of Lankford Student Union.
