No space in the Simon's Rock bubble?
Student groups are denied permanent meeting areas
by Shanna Gregory | Llama Ledger Staff
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: News
When construction of the Livingston Hall Student Union was being planned five years ago, a designation of specific areas to student groups and organizations was successfully completed.
"Circumstances since then have changed drastically, including the expansion of campus with incoming students," said Associate Dean of Student Affairs Bob Graves.
Two years ago, a committee made up of Physical Plant and Student Affairs members decided against delegating space to any one specific group.
Many students on campus discuss the lack of specific group space. "It's a shame that students don't have more areas to just hang out in," first-year and Infoshop member Nat Thompson states.
"What else is there other than the Formal Lounge and general Student Union areas?" Thompson suggested "a space for Infoshop, and it would not be an exclusive hangout because anybody would be welcomed."
Infoshop isn't the only group protesting the lack of group space. Another debate centers on the availability of permanent meeting spaces for some groups and not others.
"Why is the Owl's Nest a permanent space for some groups, but other areas are closed off, like the space under the Dining Hall?" asks first-year Colleen Marshall.
"The Owl's Nest is a communal group space, where more than one group meets and the groups are open to everybody," answers Graves. "The space under the Dining Hall is being designated for more Dining Hall seating."
The issue of space mainly concerns with the growth of Simon's Rock. "Even with the new Women's Center in the Crosby basement, any further expansion of students might force us to reclaim the space for dorm use," stated Graves.
The debate about group space continues at Simon's Rock.
Contact the author: sgregory@llamaledger.com
"Circumstances since then have changed drastically, including the expansion of campus with incoming students," said Associate Dean of Student Affairs Bob Graves.
Two years ago, a committee made up of Physical Plant and Student Affairs members decided against delegating space to any one specific group.
Many students on campus discuss the lack of specific group space. "It's a shame that students don't have more areas to just hang out in," first-year and Infoshop member Nat Thompson states.
"What else is there other than the Formal Lounge and general Student Union areas?" Thompson suggested "a space for Infoshop, and it would not be an exclusive hangout because anybody would be welcomed."
Infoshop isn't the only group protesting the lack of group space. Another debate centers on the availability of permanent meeting spaces for some groups and not others.
"Why is the Owl's Nest a permanent space for some groups, but other areas are closed off, like the space under the Dining Hall?" asks first-year Colleen Marshall.
"The Owl's Nest is a communal group space, where more than one group meets and the groups are open to everybody," answers Graves. "The space under the Dining Hall is being designated for more Dining Hall seating."
The issue of space mainly concerns with the growth of Simon's Rock. "Even with the new Women's Center in the Crosby basement, any further expansion of students might force us to reclaim the space for dorm use," stated Graves.
The debate about group space continues at Simon's Rock.
Contact the author: sgregory@llamaledger.com
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