In this week’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, representatives from the Lancer Card Center and library came to give updates to the Senate.
Chrissy Sampier, director of the Lancer Card & Campus Services Office, explained the new card system that the university switched to over the break, and why there were issues with it recently.
Sampier said, “We converted three card systems in three months, and with that, chances are that things may not go right.”
Longwood’s reasoning behind the switch was to reduce costs and open up opportunities for the future as far as automation goes. Their goal is to make this a truly automated system, where students can eat as soon as they purchase a meal plan or add money to their card, as well as create access to all buildings on campus as well in real time.
Sampier also mentioned that over the break they replaced the registers at each dining location that way students can use their phones and scan the barcode to use a meal swipe.
They also switched out the washing and drying machines in the residence halls, which use an app, SpeedQueen, for payment instead of coins. Each residence hall now has this option, with the exception of South Ruffner and Lancer Park North and South.
Natalie Browning, research services librarian, also came to Senate to talk about updates that the library made over the break. The library has extended the checkout periods for their items, increasing it to 90 for books, 72 hours for laptops and equipment and seven days for DVDs.
Browning added that students will no longer be charged overdue fines, instead, if an item is not returned on time, they will be charged a replacement fee. In order to get rid of the fee, students just need to return the item and it will go away.
In New Business, two students, Norman Hurt Jr. and Caitlyn Martens, were sworn in as Senators. SGA President Haleigh Pannell officiated the proceedings as they took the oath. The students will begin their roles on Senate effective immediately.
The Senate also approved a new club, the Game Development Club. This club is designed for students who are interested in coding and want to get involved in developing their own games. An interest meeting will be held soon.
In the Advisers’ Report with Dr. Tim Pierson and Dean Cheryl Steele, Dr. Pierson made sure all students were aware that no one at Longwood has been to China recently or has contracted coronavirus. He warns students to be careful and to stay healthy.
In the President’s Report with Haleigh Pannell, Pannell reiterated that there will be presentations for positions on SGA throughout the month of February, and urged students to attend if they are interested in a specific position. The presentation for Senators will be on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
In the Treasurer’s Report, Samuel Torpy announced that budgets are due for all clubs and organizations on Friday, Feb. 28, before students leave for spring break.
The next SGA meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 3:45 p.m. at the R.R. Moton Museum, located at 900 Griffin Boulevard in town.
Chrissy Sampier, director of the Lancer Card & Campus Services Office, informs SGA about new lancer card changes that will effect door access, laundry and meal swipes.
