The Student Government Association (SGA) began with Vice President Adam Fletcher for open agenda. This week’s Rowe Award was presented to Senator India White for taking initiative on current campus issues and giving awareness when needed.
Registrar’s office representatives came to SGA’s board meeting to discuss any questions and comments for the beginning of this fall 2014 semester. Senator Leighan Worden began thoughts stating “[the] registration process has gotten a lot better,” expressing thoughts that this semester seems to have had minimal issues in registration.
The My Student Body module was mentioned, as the due date for completion is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Questions arose as to if students do not finish it in time who will report the problem to the student. It was pointed out that students should understand that it is not a ‘Longwood initiative,’ but it is under the federal government, as most offences are often times alcohol-related.
Dr. Pierson added that the most compelling information on this subject he has received is that 1 in 4 college females have been assaulted, stating “that’s why the federal government is involved,” and why there is such an awareness to it at this time.
“It’s up to colleges and universities to provide [an] environment that is safe for students. MSB is a way in the first year to get this done.We appreciate all the cooperation we’ve received,” said Dr. Pierson.
Fletcher moved next to open forum, with President Joseph Gills commenting on voter registration for Longwood’s website to register. There are complaints that voter registration on Longwood’s website takes students to the nearest Lynchburg/Liberty area and the website is not directing students to the Longwood/Farmville area.
There are also complaints that the stop sign by the CSTAC building is a big safety hazard, as reports that people are not stopping, leaves cause for concern.
Getting another blue light emergency poll in Lancer Park for walkers was also called to attention in open forum.
\SGA encourages students to register to vote. The link can be found on MyLongwood or on https://lancers.turbovote.org
Darst then commented on her opinions of main studio rooms located at the gym should be kept open, where they were once open for use during gym morning hours. “Now they’re not letting people use the empty room,” said Darst.
Senator Ally Dougherty brought up questions many students had regarding the strong armed robbery of last week, adding what is happening as of now with the incident and what was meant by the “all clear” notice.
Dr. Pierson commented stating, “the message of when the all clear went out, many people didn’t feel like [it was] all clear.[There was] a lot of panic [and] concern.” Many students wanted to have a little more information, Dr. Pierson said, “They haven’t secured the individual.” However, the police department is handling the incident.
Senator Chyanne Trowell brought up the text messaged alert system due to the strong-armed robbery, saying it was “hard to find out how to sign up,” [for text message alerts].
Fletcher moved to the executive order of the day, where Gills then discussed the subject of incident occurrences, “I’ve spoken with Chief Beach, I know we talked about campus reports; to better explain text message alerts, and will explain what to expect” more in detail in the next coming weeks. Gills advised the board to “make sure you file a report.”
Gills then added he had the chance to speak with the mayor of Farmville, David E. Whitus, adding he will be coming to SGA meetings in the next couple of weeks, and will hopefully discuss Farmville/Longwood related issues and ways of improvement.
Gills then moved to comment on the agenda, saying the general consensus from students is to have more library hours.
“We will need to make a stance on it,” Gills said, in order to have a vote of senate. Gills questioned the board on the need for more hours, with a good majority voting in favor of added hours.
Moving into executive charge, Gills stated, “great meeting today, as you all know, Oktoberfest is creeping up on us fast. Make sure you come up with new ideas to bring to the meeting.”
Darst then called to allocate $6,842 to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, (NPHC). Representative Sarah Burford was in attendance to answer questions. NPHC called to bring a speaker to Longwood asking for money for the speaker, hotel room and travel to happen next semester. Motion passes.
Next, Darst moved to allocate money to Lancer Lunatics for a Lancer Madness themed event, with a red carpet, velvet rope and lanyards to give out. They asked WMLU to play at Lancer Madness this year. The ambassador’s will act as paparazzi.It guarantees all students get a momentum to take away from the event. Around 1,000 students will attend the event. Motion to allocate $1,788 to Lancer Lunatics passed.
Darst then moved to allocate $8,136.18 to the cold and flu supplies, as well as shots for cold and flu kits, motion passes.
Dr. Pierson then called attention stating, “I’d like to say family weekend went really well, as well as Rock the Block feedback was good.”
Fletcher moved into announcements, Gills again thanked the senate for doing a great job.
“Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest” nominations will be held in the dining hall and will go until this Sunday, Sept. 28.Voting for finalists will be announced at the Alzheimer’s walk.
Dr. Jordan’s bonfire will be held Sunday on Iler field.
Spirit week:
Monday Sept. 29- Class Color day
Tuesday Sept. 30-Lancer Pride day
Wednesday Oct. 1 – Lancer Halloween/Costume day
Thursday Oct. 2 -Oktoberfest Tee-shirt day
Friday Oct. 3- White out (for color wars) starts at 4pm on Iler field.
