Mercyhurst College students were invited to enjoy mocktails, snacks and ask questions or give suggestions to Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) senators and members at the mocktail open forum this past Tuesday.

Mocktails were served at the event as a way to promote Alcohol Awareness Week. Students who attended the forum were encouraged to sign the online alcohol awareness pledge.

During the event, students were able to visit with MSG members at different tables to discuss issues.

Tyler Stauffer photo: Students discussed different issues with MSG at the mocktail forum on Tuesday.

“Basically we are here to answer questions and address students’ concerns,” senior Mark Gramza said.

There was a table devoted to technology which dealt with the Mercyhurst Portal and MyMail.

Students who are experiencing issues with either of these services are encouraged to call the IT department because they are able to help students quickly. The average wait time to get a return phone call is about 20 minutes.

The EMTA table informed students that an officer will occasionally ride the “drunk bus” to help control some of the problems that occurred last year. The officer will always be present during holiday weekends.

MSG members at the off-campus housing and campus life table told students about upgrades in the apartments, such as the new windows in Highland Square.

MSG is looking into improvements for campus living which include new ovens and air conditioning.

MSG encourages students to share their opinions about what aspects of campus housing they would like improved.

“We hold this open forum three times a year to exemplify what we already do and are open to all suggestions,” MSG President Santina Sgro said.

For any other questions or concerns, students could visit the general questions tables.

The students at those tables were there to answer any questions and address any concerns that may not have fit into one of the other categories.

Sophomore Molly Beichner discussed issues with MSG at the forum.

“I expected more students to be there because I feel this was a good event and that the MSG representatives were knowledgeable and great at addressing my concerns,” she said.

Students can visit the Mercyhurst Portal for a complete list of Alcohol Awareness Week events and to sign the alcohol awareness pledge.