The imitation Campus Town Hall Discussion held in the Cave last Monday was productive despite the low turnout. The session turned out to be a small round-table talk, mostly with SGA members and officer nominees, student life administrators, members of Volunteer ETSU and a few other students. “I think there are a lot of issues out there in the campus community but they are not always channeled the right way,” said Joy Fulkerson, coordinator of community service and Greek life.
Recycling of non-paper material began the debate. The group discussed solutions before working their way through the remaining six questions, concerning topics such as the BUC fund (formerly 606 funding), SGA’s role, extended hours in the CPA and other campus facilities, parking issues and the “disconnected” relationship between faculty and students. “I think it was extremely productive,” said freshman, Ash-Lee Henderson.
The open-discussion also attracted faculty members. “(I) thought it would be a good opportunity,” said Dr. Steven Bader, senior associate vice president and chief student affairs officer.
Bader, who addressed questions and made suggestions, commended the SGA and Volunteer ETSU. “I thought the questions appropriate, to the point . probably a very good indication of what’s on the minds of the students,” he said.
Volunteer ETSU sponsored the session as a conclusion to their “raise your voice” month activities. Rachel Click, president of Volunteer ETSU, said the session was inspired by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, who visited the campus earlier this semester and spoke about her experiences during the Civil Rights Movement.
Johnson Reagon encouraged the audience to not be afraid of making a difference in their environment. “This was kind of a way to encourage that, to get students to raise their voices,” said Click.
SGA was not discouraged by the low turnout. The organization said they took all the steps to get students to attend the meeting, from fliers to e-mails and even having Secretary Aya Fukuda announce the meeting on the PA a few minutes before the session.
SGA promised to try similar sessions in the future, but added that the responsibility rested with the student to actually attend and participate.
“I think there is opportunity on this campus for your voice to be heard and the student should take advantage of them,” Click said.

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