The Berkeley Beacon

Issue date: 11/9/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Steve Klise Members of the Student Government Association lead a panel at the Bill Bordy Theater this Monday. [Click to enlarge]

A need for more off-campus student space and the recent elimination of the escort service were among the chief concerns students discussed at the annual Emerson College Town Hall meeting, held Monday in the Bill Bordy Theater.

The Student Government Association (SGA) advertised the event as a forum for students to air their complaints and thoughts regarding Emerson. Jamal Barone, SGA president, said he hoped to use the discussions to guide future decisions.

"This is really for us to get a pulse on what students are concerned with and what issues they have," said Barone, a senior marketing communication major.

The most-debated topic was the lack of space on campus for off-campus students to go between classes. While off-campus students have access to study areas such as the library, some are unsure of where else to go.

Leandro Caires, off-campus commissioner of the SGA, responded to the questions by welcoming students to use the quiet study lounge in the Max Mutchnick Campus Center and the library for schoolwork.

Students looking to relax with friends can spend time in other areas like the dining hall, said Caires, a senior film major.

Cassandra Fox, SGA executive secretary, said the college did not wish to set up an exclusive area for off-campus students.
"The intention of the college is to set up spaces for everyone, not to set up spaces for just off-campus students," said Fox, a senior theatre major.

Members of the SGA said David Ellis, vice president of administration and finance, has discussed with other administrators ways to make the center more inviting to students, including the addition of televisions or sofas, providing students with more places to lounge around.

Caires also said the problem of a lack of space for off-campus students would be addressed with the completion of the new Paramount project on Washington Street.The building will include 250 residential spaces, allowing more students to live on campus and reducing the need for space designated for off-campus students.

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