Kennesaw State University’s Student Government Association held its first ever town hall January 27, 2016.
SGA acts as the voice of the student body. It works with students and gives them the means to have their concerns and desires heard by faculty and administration.
Key points discussed during the town hall include proposed student center renovations, the upcoming spring SGA elections, student fees updates, consolidation concerns and student diversity and inclusion.
The proposed renovations to the Kennesaw campus student center remained the biggest concern among students during the town hall.
Although no plans have been finalized, the proposed renovations are meant to accommodate more clubs in the student center. Since the merger, there has been an increase in the number of clubs at KSU, which means there are more groups that need a meeting place.
Besides creating space for more clubs, the renovations would expand the GLBTIQ room, move the game room, create a multipurpose room and create a separate space for faith-based organizations.
The total estimated project budget is $687,818. No renovations are expected for at least another year, but a final proposal will be sent to students for approval once enough money is raised to create a rendering.
These proposed renovations left many students whose clubs are currently housed in the student center questioning what would happen with their existing space. With the possibility of these club spaces being reduced or taken away, the uncertainty and distress was made clear when they opened the floor to take questions.
Members of the Muslim Student Association were particularly concerned about their space.
“We have obligatory prayer five times a day,” said Muslim Student Association President, Brittney Smiley. “We pray without our shoes on, together, and with our heads to the floor. We have certain needs.
“Why the changes all of a sudden? Why are there cubicles being taken away to add them to a game room? I am fine with how it is now,” she said.
“It’s more of quality over quantity, although it was a good turn out for our first town hall,” said Victoria Brock, director of internal affairs for SGA. She is also a sophomore and marketing major. “People who are interested in the things we do got their questions answered.”
For students with any questions, concerns or suggestions for improving campus, SGA holds meetings bi-weekly. The next meeting will be held February 3, 2016. The next town hall will take place on the Marietta campus Thursday, February 25, 2016.
More details about the organization and events can be found on http://ksusga.wix.com/ksusga
