During the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting on Oct. 30, Director of the University Center and Student Activities Susan Sullivan came in to answer questions and take suggestions from the Senate in regard to Upchurch University Center.
Freshman Class Representative Claire Lesman asked about the possibility of a printing center in the building and Sullivan responded by saying that there would be a cost effect and there would be materials needed that the university doesn’t have. Sullivan then went on to say that if one would be implemented in any space, it would be the where clubs and organizations meet.
Senator Joseph Hyman said other schools use a printing “kiosk” service that is cost-effective and suggested that Sullivan look into that avenue.
Hyman also brought up the inconvenient placement of outlets in the first floor study lounge and suggested putting charging stations in that area to fix the issue.
Virginia 21 and State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Representative Mary Zell Galen asked if there were any plans to put art or decorations in Upchurch to make it feel more Longwood-oriented and less commercial. Sullivan said she hopes to be able to work with the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) and the art department, but it is a plan in the works.
SGA Vice President Lucas Hobson brought up a concern about some Wi-Fi connection issues and Sullivan said there is no known issue with the network connection in the building.
Senator Cameron Roblewsky suggested there be line dividers put in the food court to be able to differentiate between the lines for Panda Express and FarmGrill and Sullivan said that is currently being worked on.
Historian Megan Bland asked if there is a possibility for a Lancer Cash Deposit machine to be put in Upchurch University Center. Sullivan said that it is a possibility.
Sullivan also announced that a suggestion box is going to be put at the information desk on the second floor.
During open forum, Senator Catherine Swinsky said two students came to her with a complaint that they got sick after eating Panda Express. Swinsky went on to say she met with Senior Director of Longwood Dining Services Grant Avent and an investigation followed.
According to Swinsky, 300 servings were put out that day and only two students got sick, so the dining services came to the conclusion that nothing was wrong.
Hyman asked Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Tim Pierson why students are charged a comprehensive fee for internships when they are not on campus to use the facilities the fee covers. Pierson said part of the equation is the cost of auxiliary services that aren’t attached to the academic process and that it is a way of making things work financially.
Jesse Plichta-Kellar, president of the Jewish Culture Club (JCC), informed the senate her appreciation for setting up the candlelight vigil that took place on Oct. 30. Plichta-Kellar also asked about a possible collaboration between SGA and JCC for an anti-semitism awareness workshop. President Josh Darst said Senate would be happy to work on that.
During the president’s report, Darst talked about Longwood University President W. Taylor Reveley IV's email that was issued on Oct. 26 surrounding the white nationalist postings that have been found on campus.
Darst said he never expected such a straightforward email from Reveley and went on to emphasize that this is just the beginning. He also emphasized that students are scared and don’t feel safe.
Hobson recapped a meeting that was held with Longwood University Police Department (LUPD) Chief Col. Bob Beach surrounding the postings. According to Hobson, LUPD is working to address the issue but can’t tell the student body every detail of the investigation.
Per Hobson, one of the outcomes of the meeting was pushing the motion of “see something, say something,” and said SGA will be tabling outside of the dining hall for that cause.
LUPD is also working to revamp their social media to keep students more in-tune to what is happening around campus and will be more visible at student activities to ensure feelings of safety, according to Hobson.
The conversation went back to Darst, who said he talked to Jonathan Page, director of Citizen Leadership and Social Justice Education, about some resolutions for students. One of the resolutions suggested was a minority cultural center and a proposal is being worked on for that.
Swinksy gave an update on the service dog in-training resolution and announced that after meeting with the Office of Disabilities and Resources, the proposal was dropped and the conclusion was service dogs in-training should not be allowed in other facilities.
The next SGA meeting will be Nov. 6 at 3:45 p.m. in the Wilson Chamber, located in Upchurch University Center.
Director of the University Center and Student Activities Susan Sullivan took suggestions from the SGA in regard to the new Upchurch University Center.
