Amid Southern University’s heightened presence on social media following recent events, the University’s SGA hosted a town hall meeting on Tuesday, March 11, in the Union ballroom. The event, held alongside university leaders, aimed to address concerns, and provide much-needed answers to the grieving community.
The meeting began with a series of questions that attendees had written before sitting down. Afterward, the floor was opened for additional questions from the audience. A panel of university leaders, including Chief of Police, Jocelyn Johnson, Executive Director of Student Services and Residential Life Tracie Abraham, and Director of Student Leadership and Engagement Winton R. Anderson, answered a wide range of inquiries.
When asked about campus security, Chief Johnson encouraged students to use the “JagSafe” app, which provides safety alerts and access to emergency services. She assured everyone that enhanced security measures would be implemented in the next two weeks, although she did not specify details.
Another major concern raised was the housing shortage on campus. Ms. Abraham explained that the university currently offers only 2,200 beds, and housing fills up quickly. She assured students that plans for a new residence hall were already in the final stages, with construction expected to begin this summer.
When asked what role do student leaders play in influencing decisions made in these meetings, Dr. Anderson explained that student leaders “serve as advocates for the student body, representing their concerns and ensuring their voices are heard.”
After the open discussion, students felt that their voices were heard. After the event, Hermine Johnson, a student who asked a question to the panel, expressed mixed feelings. While she found the event valuable, she felt that many of her questions went unanswered. “It was a well-done event, but there are still a lot of things left unresolved,” she said.
