Suffolk’s students discussed campus issues and how it could improve at the Student Government Association Meeting on Sept. 18. To organize conversation and ideas, SGA President Charlie Reyna-Demes had the senate separate by class to form lists of changes they wanted to see around campus.
The major issue was raised by the class of 2028 concerning Residence Life.
“I just think [Residence Life] needs a little improvement especially with how it’s helping the students and you know that’s literally their job,” said Kaylee Sanchez, Class of 2028 Senator. “I think sometimes they forget that, like, where we’re living is supposed to be our safe space. We’re not just supposed to get the bare minimum treatment and kind of pushed off to the side.”
Students were bothered about the lack of overall maintenance, support from Resident Directors and Resident Assistants and mail security.
Multiple students shared their personal stories with each topic. Students were frustrated about the lack of or delayed responses from the maintenance team for work orders they’d filed weeks prior, including issues with black mold and mouse traps. Others were stressed about their mail or packages getting lost and the lack of training and order that the mail room workers receive.
Some stories assessed the issue of communication between the Office of Disability Services and Residence Life, where students’ accommodations weren’t considered or met.
“The people who need accommodations aren’t getting as much support as they should be…you know, like [Residence life should be] helping them with their accommodation, because they have an accommodation. That’s the whole point,” said Sanchez.
Senators discussed solutions such as surveying the student body to get feedback and reliable data to present to the Residence Life department.
“My, I guess, proposal was that…whoever is the chair of Housing Committee should have regular meetings with whoever the top of Res-Life is,” said Eliza Bryant, Class of 2028 Senator. “Because there is huge disconnect between them and us. It really does feel as if they don’t like us and that they don’t want to find a solution for any of our problems. Like the black mold in my bathroom, I don’t like that.”
The class of 2027 also addressed issues in the dining halls.
Students suggested that there should be signs about the upcharges for add-ons on certain menu items and that there should be more cashier lanes open to make the waiting time in line shorter.
One senator promoted the idea of utilizing the televisions near the elevators to display club posters and events because the flyers are not as efficient.
The class of 2026 sparked discussion about pressuring the administration to replace the Ridgeway gym. Students feel that it is too small and outdated, and want to push for a better on-campus athletic center.
Members suggested a better commuter lounge and cheaper passes for the commuter rail, considering the majority of the graduating class are commuters. They also stressed the difficulties of using Workday to determine what classes they need to graduate.
Finally, the class of 2029 wanted to increase school spirit and raise involvement amongst the commuting students. Some were concerned about the dining halls being inconsistent, which is due to the dining team’s goal to avoid having duplicate items to ensure students get a different dining experience at each location. One member also suggested that music should be played in the elevators to relieve the awkwardness.
Voting for the Student Government Association elections will be held until 10 A.M. on Monday, Sept. 22, until 5 P.M on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Ballots will be sent via email, however, students can also submit an in-person vote by filling in a writing ballot at the Student Leadership and Involvement office.
