By Makenna Hall, Managing Editor of Content
Susquehanna’s Student Government Association (SGA) met on Feb. 15 to discuss a variety of topics during their weekly meeting, including a new policy that will fine students for not following COVID-19 guidelines and the hiring of two new public safety officers.
According to SGA president, senior Morgan Dubbs, administration decided to fine students for not being COVID-19 compliant, meaning that students who do not schedule their tests, continuously miss their testing appointments or have off-campus guests in their dorm rooms will be at risk of being fined.
The cost of the fine was not mentioned but Dubbs stated that students could opt for community service instead of paying the fine.
Though they did not ask for the money, the collected fines will go to SGA, which Dubbs said she is committed to putting back into the Susquehanna community to promote COVID-19 compliance.
In other COVID-19 news, Dubbs discussed how the university will not be counting positive tests from move-in day as on-campus positives unless the positive students choose to quarantine on campus or at the allocated hotel.
Commuter liaison, junior Kalie Rebuck, shared that it could be difficult for commuters to test for COVID-19 twice a week because many of them do not have to come to campus every day. Rebuck stated that any commuters with this issue should reach out to her or Vice President for Student Life Susan Lantz.
The Office of Public Safety welcomed two new officers, Darrien Keller and Kris Brown, to Susquehanna on Feb. 15. Public safety is still in the interview process of hiring a new investigator. Read more about the hiring process here.
According to the public safety liaison, junior Ethan Bulger, all public safety officers received new bias training that was performed by a third party and was specific to public safety officers working with students of color. Officers also received training on working with individuals during mental health crises.
Lastly for public safety, new lights and cameras were installed along University Avenue and around Greek life housing.
The Residence Life liaison, junior Carissa Holaska, shared that the application deadline to be a resident assistant has been extended to Feb. 22. Holaska also noted that more information about housing for the coming academic year will be released in March.
SGA welcomed senior Precious Emmanuel to the meeting as a remote study assistant who is a part of the Remote Learners’ Workshop. The group is dedicated to supporting fully remote students both inside and outside of class and is led by Stacey Pearson Wharton, dean of health and wellness as well as the director of the counseling center. The group will be sending out a newsletter for remote students to keep them up-to-date with online events and remote learning tips. The Instagram for the group is @SU_RemoteLearners.
In regards to sports this coming year, Susquehanna has chosen to opt in to limited competition in the Landmark Conference for the spring and fall of 2021.
Club sporting events will also take place this semester though spectators will only be allowed to watch the events online, according to the club sports representative, sophomore Casey Nickerson.
In addition to Landmark and club sports resuming competition, students may soon have a new way to enjoy friendly play on campus.
Facilities will install a disc-golf course on campus with a number of 3-par holes. The course will be available for all on-campus students. More information regarding details of the course is forthcoming.
Anyone interested in watching the meeting can view the Zoom recording here, or can read the meeting minutes that were sent to all students’ email inboxes.
