SGA hosted its annual Town Hall Event on Nov. 8.
Administrators and staff members who participated in the event included University President Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, Vice President for Finance and Administration Jeff Savino, IT Chief Information Officer Jason Nairn, Associate Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator Lynne Banks, Director of Residence Life Don Miles, Interim Chief of Police Bob Zaman and General Manager of Dining Services Reggie Esmi.
Questions from SGA members were addressed first, followed by questions from the audience members in attendance. Topics discussed included new Title IV initiatives, potential study-abroad locations, hours of operation at the DiSepio Fitness Center, a staffing shortage at the Center for Well-Being and student safety.
Banks answered questions on several new Title IX initiatives that will be implemented soon.
“With any good plan, we start with our students,” said Banks, who noted she plans on organizing a student group to work with her on the new programs. She said a student interest meeting will be held soon.
The project will include a social media campaign and online training program.
Regarding the study-abroad program, Fr. Malachi told those in attendance that Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike McGinnis is on the hunt for new opportunities following the closure of the Ambialet program.
“We believe in moving on and rebounding quickly,” said Fr. Malachi. The president said the University is exploring semester-long opportunities, as well as seven-to-14-day options.
He said that he is hoping to have three different study-abroad options to share with students in the near future.
Concerns were raised about the staffing shortage at the Center for Well-Being after one of the on-site counselors left the University. The panel noted that students have access to coverage from UPMC throughout the week, with the option of a virtual visit, and that they expect to hire another counselor by the start of the spring semester.
One student said that LGBTQ students at the University were sometimes concerned for their safety at SFU and did not feel welcomed.
“The campus is a welcoming community of all faiths and walks of life,” said Fr. Malachi.
He urged students to make University officials aware of any specific situation concerning this issue so that it can be addressed and resolved