By Jacqueline Hlavenka
From bats to the Blue Beetle, students voiced their concerns at the University’s Annual Town Hall meeting in the Plaza Room during common hour on Wednesday.
Moderated by the Student Government Association and University President Stuart Rabinowitz, representatives from the University, including Sandra Johnson, the vice president of Student Affairs, Herman Berliner, the senior vice provost and Joseph Barkwill, the vice president of facilities and operations, listened to suggestions from students who volunteered to propose a solution or ask a question.
The meeting was set-up in a “town hall” atmosphere-an informal gathering where students and members of the community could make suggestions about improving the University as a whole.
Among students’ main concerns were food prices, campus safety, tuition and parking.
One student, Rachel Perriello, a freshman, shared a personal experience about the hours of operation at the Health and Wellness Center in Republic Hall.
“I had mono, and my tonsils were so swollen that I couldn’t breathe,” Perriello said, as the audience came to a hush. “I want to know why the hours are so limited on the weekends; why we can’t get health care at all hours.”
Perriello, who does not own a car on campus, did not have access to get herself to Nassau University Medical Center.
“My father drove down from Connecticut just to drive me to the emergency room,” Perriello said.
In response, the University will be looking into ways to improve the wellness center.
“I appreciate you bringing up this issue,” Rabinowitz said. “We use the local emergency room, and in the future, public safety can help you get there,” Sandra Johnson, added. “We try to provide the best health care possible. We have nurse practitioners on staff that could write out prescriptions.”
Another student suggested the University could benefit from student EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics) on campus in case of medical emergencies.
Students dissatisfied with Lackmann Culinary Services were encouraged to join a dining committee where students can sample food at tasting events and contribute input about prices, dining hours and quality of the product.
“We are sensitive to the students concerns,” Barkwill said, who handles not only the Plant Department, but also part of food services. “We use daily specials or if there’s anything special we can do, we’d like to know. We are in the process of hiring a new food service director, and will notify students when he’s hired.”
Programs designed to help students budget their meal plan funds will also be offered in the future for all undergraduates.
Others were hit hard with the prices of textbooks during the fall semester at the Hofstra Bookstore.
“My friend, a biology major, got a fraction of the cost back for a book,” said Hipa Qazi, a freshman. “She barely used it.”
SGA Vice President Kate Legnetti explained that student government has been compiling a list of books that the bookstore will definitely buy back come the end of the semester.
“Even if you’re book is not listed, this way, all students can access this information and possibly sell it on Amazon.com instead.”
Running ten minutes over schedule, the meeting was filled to capacity, and generated a positive student response, with about 150 student attending.
“Overall, I feel the town hall meeting was excellent,” said SGA President Brent Weitzberg. “We’re definitely trying to bridge gaps with Lackmann and work with students to make things easier. Secondly, SGA is working closely with Ed Bracht and public safety to listen to their suggestions.”
Before the meeting came to a close, one student had a concern coming from outside her window.
“Outside Constitution one night, I heard something chirping up in the trees,” said Melissa Henderson, a sophomore. “I heard there are bats on this campus. Are there?”
President Stuart Rabinowitz responded with a laugh.
“If there are, I’m outta here,” Rabinowitz said.