PV hosted its second “Back and Forth” forum Monday, March 21, in the Senate chambers. Students were given the opportunity to question faculty and administration about their problems and concerns on campus. Those present to answer questions were Tressey Wilson of Auxiliary Services, Fred Washington, associate vice president of finance and administration, A.D Aldridge, of residential life, and Linda Durham, of the Scholarship Office. The forum covered topics ranging from parking on campus, to scholarship information. Students were given the opportunity to ask any question they deemed important, and sought to find an answer to. A list of questions, provided by SGA, were given to all in attendance as guidelines, on topics that would be covered. On the issue of parking, students were assured that proper measures are being taken to accommodate more parking on campus.
Before fall 2005, students can expect to see three new parking lots, located at the Student Center, Veterinary clinic, and the band practice field. PV is also planning to bring back the much needed shuttle service that was once provided on campus.
The discussion of on-campus housing was led by Aldridge, representing residential life. Aldridge assured students that the university would be working to provide better services to students living in on-campus housing. There are plans for Phases I, II, and III to have wireless Internet by fall 2005. Even with the increase of rent by three percent, Aldridge said that students would be provided with better staffing in the clubhouses, and will work with students to help better their stay on campus.
As far as the cable issue in the phases, it was stated that it has been addressed, and that steps are being taken to ensure better quality cable, and working toward getting a satellite service for PV in the upcoming years. Aldridge explained to students that the cable services provided now are through a specific cable provider, picked by American Campus Communities, and for right now, with construction, wires are being cut, and problems will occur.
Durham, of the scholarship office said that they “currently have people working on a Web site, that will have all academic scholarship information, hopefully completed by May 1.”
There are also plans for utilizing the washateria more effectively. PV is looking to turn Farrell Hall into more or less, a sports bar and grill type atmosphere, with a computer lab, and food services. A complete renovation of the space is expected soon. Students were encouraged to be student leaders and voice their opinions about their concerns on PV’s campus.