At the first meeting of the new Student Government Association board, Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of Student Life, spoke on the “diversity and global commitment" theme of the Elon Commitment. Student handbooks and staff manuals are being revised to make clear Elon University’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and accepting social climate, he said.
“Don’t be a bystander,” Jackson said. “We have to be a welcoming university. We want to develop talent that will make us all stronger. Having a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds will make us all better and will help us learn better.”
In other news, Elizabeth Nelson, coordinator for inter-personal communications and community wellbeing, was appointed the position of associate director for health promotions as well. The position was created to address and prevent social and sexual harassment, Jackson said.
Jackson also addressed recent complaints from Elon residents regarding noise and parking violations within communities surrounding campus.
“We’ve had several instances lately where students have not been good neighbors,” he said. “We want everyone to see Elon students as who you really are, talented and respectful.”
Jackson also expressed concerns about the number of off-campus gatherings that have been held lately.
“A number of high-risk activities have been taking place off-campus,” he said. “We’re concerned about student safety.”
Jackson will soon hold a meeting with the SGA to discuss current student activities held on campus, and he will take into consideration suggestions for improvement.
Also, The Station at Mill Point will be incorporated into an existing shuttle route, which will be modified accordingly. In the proposed route, The Station at Mill Point will be the seventh stop. The new route will begin at Moseley Center and first travel through North Area before making several stops in West Area.
Jana Lynn Patterson, assistant vice president for Student Life, addressed expectations of the SGA in terms of conduct and integrity. The SGA purpose was reviewed, as well as its constitution, bylaws and responsibilities. All winners of the 2012 SGA elections were sworn into their respective positions.
Six executive orders by the executive president were passed.
[box]Appointed positions: Senior Class Secretary -Lauren Teltsch Senior Class Senator - Brielle Sydor Senior Class Senator -Ben Waldon Junior Class Secretary -Ryan Budden Sophomore Senator -Aaron Vreeland Chief of Staff -D. Patrick Brown Assistant Secretary -Molly Shoop Assistant Treasurer -Richmond Rosati Speaker Pro- Tempore -Aaron Vreeland
Positions left unfilled following the February elections were appointed to students by the Executive Staff.
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