By: Collin Albright, Staff Writer ’18
The Student Government at Lebanon Valley College is working hard to provide a safe and functional experience for students, faculty and the community.
Along with the help of faculty, the Student Government is responsible for providing funding to clubs on campus and planning events such as Homecoming, Formal, Dutchmen Day and several other smaller events. The group is composed of 36 full-time students who dedicate their time and serve as a channel for student recommendations to faculty and administrators. They also have the opportunity to be members of task forces alongside faculty and staff.
Theresa Messenger, a senior digital communications and English dual major, has been the Student Government president since the beginning of the ’17-’18 academic year.
“Student Government has put its best foot forward to continue to grow from last year’s leaders and be proactive rather than reactive,” Messenger said. “Our goal is to recognize opportunities early and take advantage of them so that we can inform students early.”
Another goal of Student Government is to foster understanding and communication among students and faculty. One new initiative – monthly student-led forums.
“Each forum features three to four campus departments and then any current campus climate topics that may need to be discussed at the time,” Messenger said. “Our members take a lot of time meeting with departments and offices to make sure that student concerns and comments are being heard.”
The organization also stays up-to-date on current issues.
“The Student Government has recently organized letter signings to stand behind those affected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better known as DACA,” Messenger said. “We have also rejuvenated the campus wide campaign LVC4Change to remind the campus community of our role and values.”
Jen Evans, director of student activities and the Mund College Center, is the faculty adviser to Student Government. She suggests stopping by the new student government office.
“We encourage students to stop in during office hours to discuss any issues or concerns as well as learn about upcoming events,” Evans said.
Student Government holds weekly meetings on Mondays at 9:40 p.m. in Clyde A. Lynch Memorial Hall room 186, and are open to the campus.
The final forum for the semester is Thursday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m. in Leedy Theater.
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