Safety is main issue at student senate meeting
By Brigitta Burks, Staff Writer
May 10, 2007 | 1:42 p.m.
Despite the upcoming student senate elections, the environment at this week’s student senate meeting was relatively calm. This week it was the presenters, not the senators, with the most to say.
Safety plans on campus
In light of Virginia Tech, it was no surprise when Vice President of Student Affairs Kent Smith announced that residence halls will be locked 24/7 as of Wednesday.
Student Senate input was not received about the lockdown, and it won't be until next week when representatives inform the safety committee of their opinion. Until word is received, the doors will remain locked.
OUPD Officer John Stabler and Judy Piercy, director of Residence Life, gave the presentation on the lockdown.
The lockdown is only the first part of a multifaceted safety plan. Stabler said he hoped that fall quarter there will be an education initiative. Much of that initiative would be centered around teaching students not to let strangers into their dorm building.
Piercy said, “You are nice, friendly, trusting people,” and this decency has supposedly led to eight or nine thefts on South Green. Stabler reported that the primary suspect is past the typical age of students and preys in late afternoon to mid evening.
There are still issues to be worked out with the lockdown. The structures of Jefferson, Bromley and Boyd Halls, among others, make the lockdown difficult as dining halls and green offices are located there.
A card swiping system, which has already been implemented on parts of New South may, eventually take place. However, Stabler said that “at the university’s current rate” this may not be until 2035.
This change in security would cost $20,000 to $29,000 per building and in the end from $750,000 to $795,000 total. Stabler admitted to being low on budget but that Virginia Tech had given the initiatives some priority.
The plan is still in the beginning stages, despite the fact that the lockdown has already begun. Stabler said such measures have not been taken since 1968.
Upcoming possibilities
As always, money played a part in the night. An idea for the funding of upcoming Alden Library renovations was finally brought up. A $20 fee may be assigned to students with or without a vote. However, nothing is definite as of yet.
Several senators, including Chris Diehl and Patrick Heery, Vice Presidential candidate and Residence Life Commissioner, mentioned the idea of extending dining hall operating hours. However, the thought almost seemed to be in passing.
McDavis support
Black Affairs Commissioner Michael Adeyanju, invited students to attend a rally in support for President Roderick McDavis, something mostly unheard of on campus. The rally will take place Wednesday, May 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the West Portico at Templeton Blackburn Memorial Auditorium.
Forum attendance
Low forum attendance was mentioned casually by several senators. However, it was Shane Tilton, independent candidate for Senate president, who spoke candidly about the issue after the meeting. He explained, “We’ve had a lot of problems with attendance in forums” and that he is disappointed.
The list of forums is available on the university’s online calendar of events. Those who wish to change Tilton’s mind and have their voice heard are encouraged to attend.
The next meeting and another chance to join in on the action will be May 16 at 7:15 p.m. in Walter 104.
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