While students and professors are working to get the most out of online education, SGA is also working to adapt to the new circumstances due to COVID-19. Because students will not be returning to campus for the rest of the semester, SGA has decided to postpone their events for this semester, specifically the 5K planned for this spring.
Current President Becca Peach and Vice President Carter Haupt, along with President-Elect Daniel Gaines and Dean of Students Chris Leukenga, have been planning a 5K since November to raise awareness for sexual assault and reporting methods, specifically on college campuses, and raise funds for Alternatives, a sexual and domestic violence report center and shelter. Peach noted that the idea came about when speaking of sexual assault and campus safety and taking an interest in engaging with the community around AU. SGA made connections with the Anderson Parks and Recreation Department to hold the 5K at Shadyside Park.
“We have made several important contacts throughout this semester with the City of Anderson, so I am not too concerned that rescheduling the 5K for next year will be difficult,” said Gaines.
Although SGA is not particularly worried about rescheduling the 5K, they still have a few other concerns with moving completely online for the remainder of this semester. Peach expressed her worries about this drastic change.
“I am greatly concerned about the difficulties of so suddenly transitioning to online courses,” Peach said. “It is my hope that students will be able to still receive a quality education; however, it is difficult to see how that can happen when many of them do not have the same ease-of-access to their professors, peers, tutors and even textbooks and notes—which may be in residence halls that students don’t have access to. Having said that, I have full faith that our faculty will do everything they can to optimize the student experience during this difficult time.”
Despite the concerns, SGA leaders remain optimistic.
“I recognize that remaining off-campus is not preferable to our daily routines,” said Gaines. “However, our current situation warrants protective measures and we are fortunate to have a fantastic group of individuals guiding AU during this time.”
While SGA is not currently holding meetings, they continue to monitor the SGA email and RavenLife App to ensure strong communication for students with questions and concerns.