A series of student concerns took center stage during a Senate meeting held Tuesday, March 17 at 5p.m in the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union ballroom. The meeting began with an official attendance check in of all the cabinet members of the Senate before moving into the pressing campus issues that left many students seeking answers.
One if the first concerns addressed was the ongoing WiFi issues across campus. Student voiced frustration over unreliable internet access, noting that the universities IT department has yet to provide a solution. According to remarks shared during the meeting, IT officials were criticized, with one statement claiming “they aren’t taking accountability”
Another major issue raised involved delays in student refund checks. With the semester well underway, many students reported they have yet to receive their funds. Concerns were also directed towards the registrar and financial aid offices, as students say their questions have gone unanswered. While the issue was acknowledge during the meeting, no concrete solutions were offered, leaving students without reassurance.
The Senate also conducted an impeachment vote for Janiyah McCarddle, former Chief of Staff for the Association of Women Students (AWS) for the 2025-2026 term. The vote, prompted by concerns over lack of participation and commitment to her role passed with 12 votes in favor and 3 against.
Student, Angelina Lugo, brought forward several additional concerns, beginning with the College of Nursing and Allied Sciences. Lugo noted that “despite the program being recognized as one of the best for two consecutive years, students are still required to pay out of pocket for uniforms and additional materials.” As a former nursing student, Lugo argued that “the financial burden is excessive, especially given the program’s national recognition.”
Lugo also raised a maintenance concerns regarding the entrance doors of the Union and the campus Starbucks, stating that the loud slamming disrupts students who use those areas for studying.
However, the tone of the meeting shifted significantlywhen Lugo addressed residential housing fees. She questioned why students are required to pay $150 for a non-guaranteed housing assignment, in addition to the $75 fee for returning students, despite limited availability. This led to broader concerns about where the non-refundable deposites are allocated.
During her remarks, Lugo shared a personal experience, alleging that Executive Director of Student Services and Residential Life of University Apartments, Mrs.Tracie Abraham, failed to assist her during her time of need, leaving her without housing and homeless, Lugo stated.” They weren’t available for me when I needed them, I don’t want to be available for them right now,” before dismissing herself from the meeting prior to Abraham’s response.
Following the meeting, Abraham offered a response, stating that Lugo had visited the office multiple times but did not complete required steps for assistance, adding that “she simply didn’t want to be helped.”
The final concern came from Human Jukebox band member, Kennedy Benjamin, a sophomore chemistry major, who reported that the university shuttle services has allegedly not been allowing band members on the transportation buses, raising questions about accessibility and support for student organizations. Benjamin describes an older gentlemen that drives the shuttle, Mr.Kelly, is responsible food this action and is calling that something be done due to them being late for practices and other events the Human Jukebox participates in.
As the meeting concluded, many concerns remained unresolved, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by Southern University students.
