The Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) welcomed students to voice their opinions at the first student forum of the year.

With guest speakers from administration, athletics and police and safety, the forum on Wednesday, Oct. 7, covered a variety of topics weighing on students’ minds.

Student senators met with administration and students in the Cummings Art Gallery.

The event began with an address from Mercyhurst President Dr. Thomas Gamble. Dr. J.M. Adovasio, representing athletics, and Chief Kenneth Sidun, representing Police and Safety, welcomed students, as well.
Tyler Stauffer photo: Mercyhurst College President Dr. Thomas Gamble spoke with students at the Mercyhurst Student Government Student Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Guest speakers from administration, athletics, and Police and Safety also spoke with students about their concerns.

Afterward, the floor was opened for students to mingle with administration and student senators in order to discuss their campus concerns.

After hearing high crime statistics for Mercyhurst in September, several students questioned the safety of this campus. Sidun responded to these statistics by explaining that Mercyhurst’s crime reports cover both the Erie and North East Campuses.

“This is a safe campus, I assure you,” Sidun said.

Freshman Chelsea Schermerhorn attended the forum in order to ask MSG to advocate copying the key for Baldwin’s elevator after emergency workers could not use the elevator to reach the third floor during a recent medical emergency.

In response to Schermerhorn’s suggestions, MSG arranged for a second key to be kept behind the front desk in Baldwin. Police and Safety also keep a key.

Schermerhorn also pointed out the “very little student input” on the college radio channel.

“My friends and I would be especially interested in a radio club,” she said.

Student senators promised to promote the cause, although interested students must take charge to revive the radio club.

Other issues students mentioned included expanding the Mercyhurst Recreation Center, the need for gluten-free food in Egan Dining Hall and the malfunctions of the emergency blue light phones.

All issues discussed at the Student Forum were discussed again at the MSG meeting on Monday, Oct. 12.

Student senators divided the issues and assigned tasks to the appropriate committee for future action.

Senators also discussed the ways to advertise for future forums since the turn-out of students was lower than expected.

Students who did not have the chance to voice their opinions at the Student Forum should contact a student senator or visit msg.mercyhurst.edu.