By Beth Goodbaum

At their first meeting of the semester on Tuesday, Student Government Association (SGA) delegates held a question-and-answer session with President Rabinowitz and other University representatives concerning future improvements for campus.

The administrative panel guaranteed numerous advancements made at the University from a new dining option to better security procedures.

Rabinowitz welcomed all SGA delegates and President Heather Gibbons back to the semester with a positive outlook and commented that Gibbons “has established herself as a very credible representative of the students.” Rabinowitz said he looks forward to working closely with SGA for the benefit of the student body.

He spoke about the construction of the student overpass near Oak Street, which he anticipates will begin next March. The project is expected to take 12 to15 months.

The first floor of the Axinn Library will also be renovated. This project is still in the planning stages, but Rabinowitz assured that renovation would occur at a time that is least disruptive to students.

Rabinowitz also addressed the recent Princeton Review rating, which ranked the University highest on their list for students most dissatisfied with financial aid. He said that the review is based on “total inaccurate methods” and added that Princeton Review publishes such surveys solely for monetary profit.

“I have no problem with criticism, but I do have a problem with unscientific surveys,” he said. “Regardless of the Princeton Review, we are extremely interested in how [University] students find their college experience.”

The University conducts in-depth surveys to accurately measure student feedback on the quality of campus life.

“We care about what you’re thinking and we care about your suggestions. Constructive criticism by students is the only way to effectively improve the University,” Rabinowitz said.

SGA members also addressed Public Safety concerns and were assured by Ed Bracht, the director of Public Safety that several new additions would be added to instill better security.

Vice President of Campus Life Holly Seirup discussed Mediterranean Market, the new Kosher food section to be added in the Student Center. She also attempted to make herself more accessible by mentioning that students don’t necessarily have to wait for formal meetings to address concerns over University facilities.

After over an hour, SGA adjourned the meeting early to allow the panel to continue the extended question-and-answer session. After hearing President Stuart Rabinowitz speak, SGA Senator Matt Anderson reacted approvingly. “This year, the President and administration were more interactive, which clearly shows an initiative on their part to fix the communication gap,” he said. “This is important because it shows that students have finally made it on their radar.”

With reporting from Meredith O’Donnell

SGA members felt encourgaed after hearing Rabinowitz discuss future plans at the first SGA meeting of the year. (Beth Goodbaum)