On Tuesday, November 12, Neumann University’s Student Government Association hosted a Town Hall meeting, allowing for students to have their voice heard by impactful faculty representatives here on campus.
The event ran from 5:00 p.m. until around 6:30 p.m., in Meagher Theatre. Five panelists were included- this selection was designed to represent multiple aspects of the University, including Mission, Student Affairs, and Finances.
The five panelists featured were: Sister Kathy Dougherty, Dean Sarah Williamson, Bruce Cairnduff, Dr. Katy Barnes, and Dr. Chris Domes.
The discussion began with 1-2 pre-selected questions being asked to each panelist, before moving to a section where students were allowed to send in questions via text submission.
Some of the pre-written questions included:
For Sister Kathy Dougherty: What role can mission and ministry play in holding the Neumann community accountable for upholding Franciscan values when interacting with students?
For Dr. Barnes: Given the challenges students are facing with the common hour, how can the university show greater respect for student time and well-being in scheduling and academic planning?
Students were not allowed to verbally ask questions- this caused problems for students who do not have access to the technology needed to use their “voice.”
This brought mixed reviews of the event.
Senior resident student Ian Torello voiced his concern for the relevance of the questions asked, as well as his disappointment with the text-only system.
“I felt that I was not being heard or addressed. Restricting questions to text makes the conversation feel distant, losing the human touch that builds connection.”
Student audience members did bring up the issues with the text-only system, and both SGA and the panelists, specifically Dr. Domes, agreed to change that going forward. Panelists also advocated for the event to be held in a smaller facility, such as the Sora Luna Lounge, next time.
One example of a student-submitted question was:
Why do smaller clubs and teams that accomplish more, receive less recognition than NCAA teams?
To answer this question, Cairnduff encouraged student clubs and organizations that want more recognition to aim to gain higher attendance and more members, which could, in turn, signify a need for more support.
Torello felt that some of the student-asked questions were not representative of the struggles students face on campus. These questions covered topics such as the food quality in the Bruder cafeteria, air quality in the dorms, and recognition for smaller clubs on campus.
A resident on campus the past four years, Torello said he felt the town hall meeting was “a step in the right direction.”
Some of his personal concerns included funding for the new ice hockey rink, and whether that will be coming from current students’ tuition dollars.
Another resident student, Sage Dougherty, a sophomore, felt that the text-only system was a good idea, and the questions asked by students were relevant to the problems faced on campus.
“I think the food is definitely a problem students face on campus, as I barely eat at the dining hall.”
Like Torello, she believes there is room for improvement.
“I feel like some other issues should have been addressed. I know a lot of people in my hallway have been frustrated that, when we scan into the building, we have to walk the opposite way of our hallway. Everyone else has to pass the desk when they scan in, however we have to walk the opposite way of our hallway,” stated Dougherty.
Panelists reassured students that there are plans to improve the current student experience, revisit RA compensation packages, increase study abroad opportunities, and enforce new rules in the dining hall.
