Student concerns rank at top of list

While the Cheez-Its box was being passed around the room, the Richmond College Student Government Association had its first meeting of the year where the members discussed student concerns, coming events and issues on which the different councils are focusing.

One member brought up a student concern about the difficulties with getting cell phone service on campus, especially in Lakeview. The council in charge of student concerns will be contacting Telecom to see if there is a solution to the problem.

The issue of the Pier no longer offering value meals was also mentioned. Students have expressed concern that they have to use multiple meal swipes at one meal because they purchase more than the required amount for a swipe, $7.11, by a few cents. Dee Hardy will be guest speaking at an RCSGA meeting in the next few weeks to hear students' concerns and help clear confusion about the changes in Dining Services.

A member who lives off campus brought up the fact that students who do not live in a dorm or apartment do not have access to dorms anytime and academic buildings after hours. He was told to speak with One Card Services when the men agreed that off-campus students should have continuous access to academic buildings.

One of the councils is going to discuss different university policies and debate whether or not they want to support them as a student body. Some of the issues included lowering the drinking age and the sustainability policy.

Vice President of Finance Gabe Gigliotti said his council will speak with administrators about how the university's money is spent. One of his concerns was the purchase of the floor TV in the bookstore during the spring 2008 semester.

President Matt Whittaker told the men about the progress of President Edward Ayers' Strategic Plan and RCSGA's collaberation with faculty and the provost to create better communication with the student body.

Dean Boehman told the men about upcoming events including a celebration for the 10th anniversary of Whitehurst.

The men also heard from Kate Wheeler who spoke to the Westhampton College Government Association.