The following are notes from the SGA meeting that took place February 23, 2015
Student Government Association (SGA) Meeting
Present: President Jordan Bassi; Vice President Jamal Gaynor; Treasurer Chris Cummings; Secretary Morgaine Segura; Senators Shanely Marmolejos, Tenzin Dhekyong, Miguel Gomez, Andrew Fontana; Advisor Mike Goodwin; and Guest, Southern Vermont College (SVC) president, Dr. David Evans.
After introductions, Dr. Evans discussed his ideas, goals and aspirations for SVC. His strategic plan encompassed four (4) distinct areas. First, Evans mentioned his focus on streamlining the college processes. Second, he emphasized the importance of facilities. Third was the notion of academic programing; finally, Evans touched on setting realistic goals for SVC. The streamlining of processes: developing new systems and clarifying old ones, allowing for everything to work more efficiently.
Facilities: Evans explains there are four (4) facilities that either need to be developed or improved, dorms A-E, a student center, the Mountaineer Athletic Center (MAC), and the Mansion. While there has been no decisive action, the long term plan will result in the demolition of the older dorms. Unfortunately, at this point the school would lose a gross amount of 1.5 million dollars a year if the dorms were rebuilt now. Evans would like to eventually build a student center on campus, it would hold the campus store, student affairs offices, some classrooms, and a work out space along with a variety of multi-purpose rooms. The President sees the expansion of the MAC as a priority. He would like to expand the athletic center to include an indoor track and tennis courts. Finally, the Mansion is in need of roughly 4 million dollars of repairs, which may not be addressed immediately.
Academic Programming: Dr. Evans explained that while he would love for SVC to offer a wider variety of majors, we also need to be aware of what makes since in light of current programs. He would like to offer some type of Environmental Studies degree as well as degrees in Athletic Training or Human Performance. Evans annexed the academic programing with the ensuing provost search. The college hopes to have a small group of applicants visit the college before spring break (March 16) and to offer the position by the end of March. The goal is to have a new provost in office by 1 August.
Realistic Goals: The President emphasized the question, “What size should the college be?” Realistically, he explained, the college does not have the infrastructure to support 1000 students, but he aims to reach and sustain 800.
Questions and Answers:
Chris Cummings: Chris explained his film series to President Evans and inquired about his openness of working and collaborating with Bennington College (BC) and the Bennington Community. Dr. Evans shared that he was very excited to work with both Bennington College and the wider Bennington Community. He will be meeting with the Chamber of Commerce soon. Evans also hopes to establish a collaborative gallery with BC and he is looking forward to working with the town on community campaigns.
Andrew Fontana: Andrew questioned as to Evans’ vision of the Student Center (See above for description).
Tenzin Dhekyong: Tenzin asked if there will be study rooms in the Student Center and how President Evans felt about proceeding with multi-cultural programs. President Evans explained that he would eventually be interested in moving the entire library down to the student center and reserving the now-library for special events. He also expressed excitement towards language classes and other cultural programs.
Morgaine Segura: Morgaine inquired about the lack of sidewalks around campus and the general issues with accessibility. Evans explained that due to light pollution, it was not likely that the town would approve an additional parking lot near Hunter Hall. He did agree that there should be sidewalks going from the lower lot to Hunter Hall.
Funds Requests:
1. STAND UP requested and received $150 for their event, College Gaymes Night. This event will take place (TBD).
2. Intramurals requested $1,000 for their Spring sports (This will be revisited on Monday 2 March).
After the meeting:
The SGA held an ice cream social for students to list their concerns and their commendations of the school.