SGA hosts special zoom 'town hall' for student leaders
USC Aiken’s Student Government Association (SGA) hosted an unconventional town hall for student leaders on April 7 through the video chat platform Zoom.
Many members of the university’s leadership were present, including Chancellor Sandra Jordan, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Ahmed Samaha, and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Daren Timmons.
SGA’s president and vice president, Q’Ladrin and Q’May Qourters, hosted the meeting and several other student government officials also attended.
Q’Ladrin Qourters introduced the meeting and offered the chancellor an opportunity to speak before the day’s business began.
Jordan noted that while the current circumstances are extraordinary, it has given university officials the opportunity to consider the practices that they use. She went on to mention that staff and faculty spent the extended spring break transitioning to a remote learning model, with guidance from the academic affairs office.
The chancellor mentioned that while the university is working to make things go as smoothly as possible, she fears that students may be discouraged by the situation.
“One of the things that keep me up at night are students who might give up on their education due to this.”
She then advised Q’Ladrin Qourters and other student leaders to keep track of the experiences they are having through this in order to show future employers or graduate school interviewers how they managed through such drastic changes.
The meeting continued with a message from Cam Reagan, vice chancellor for finance and administration, who responded to the many posts and comments from students about refunds from the university for housing and meal plan expenses.
“Refunds should begin within the next week,” he said, noting that rumors from others about a six or eight week wait are unfounded.
One student leader, Cassie Garvin, asked if there was a definite decision made as to whether or not the campus would return to normal for the fall semester.
“Hold on, let me grab my crystal ball,” responded Jordan lightheartedly. “Oh, I left it at home.”
She went on to note that the current situation and predictions from virologists and the CDC are being used to decide whether or not to return to campus in the Fall. No definite decision has been made regarding this.
Many students have commented on social media that they feel the remote learning is much more difficult than face-to-face already, but that some professors have increased their struggles by adding extra work or grading in a way that students feel is harsher.
Timmons noted that he has seen the comments and emboldened department heads to be more flexible and look in on situations with particular professors.
He also encouraged students to stand up and speak for themselves by emailing professors and explaining that the current workload feels like more than usual.
Jordan noted that getting “in the rhythm” of a new schedule or way of doing things can take time, because “it’s going to be a little different.”
Timmons mentioned that despite the difficulties, many professors are trying their best, and that he would encourage students and faculty to “celebrate the wins.”
“Try video chatting with classmates to discuss and share ideas,” suggested Q’Ladrin Qourters.
Jordan recalled a communication professor recently saying that they heard students were “creating networks with their classmates” and that she saw that as “one of her proudest moments.”
Administrators also addressed the pass/fail and extended withdrawal options that students were notified of recently via email.
“All these provisions already exist,” said Timmons, noting that the options are listed in the student handbook.
Regarding the pass/fail option, he noted that recipients of LIFE, HOPE or Palmetto Fellows scholarships can count the S+ pass rating as hours toward their requirements and that all students should note that the pass option will count for C+ or better requirements.
“Pass/fail is often not a good choice,” warned Jordan, noting that student athletes, veterans, students looking at “highly competitive grad school options” or those with certain scholarships and grants may find that it will not fit with their particular plan. She advised all students to check with their advisers before deciding.
