Shippensburg University students voiced their concerns and worked with faculty and staff toward solutions at the President’s Hour. 

SU President Laurie Carter, several members of her cabinet and campus services and students came together in Harley multi-purpose room Feb. 25. Students had questions from simple dorm maintenance and campus renovation to last week’s fire in the Franklin Science Center.

Nora Ormsbee asked why the fire alarms did not go off in Franklin and wanted to know if there was a need for plans to renovate the building. 

Scott Barton, vice president of administration and finance, said there was not enough smoke to set off the alarms from the small fire. The alarms in Franklin are in working condition, according to Barton. There are plans to renovate Franklin in 2021 and the construction is being drawn up, Barton said. 

Carter was asked about Gov. Tom Wolf’s upcoming visit to the university, which will be over spring break and if there were any way to change that date. Rob Giulian said he heard the meeting with Wolf would be closed door and asked if they could make a request so students could sit in as an educational opportunity. 

Carter said the administration had already tried to change the date for Wolf to come during a school week, but the request was denied. 

Originally, the governor’s meeting at universities were open door; however, after security concerns on other campuses arose, they were changed to close door meetings for all visits, Carter said. 

One student asked if the tuition rate would stay frozen like it had been for the 2019–20 academic year or if students should expect an increase. 

The tuition had not been discussed yet but the final decision on tuition will be made by the board of governors in April, Carter said. SGA President Aven Bittinger, said he will personally advocate for another freeze in tuition for the 2020-2021 school year. 

One student asked about the possibility of adding more cameras to campus parking lots, so students have proof that their car is damaged when they go to report it. Barton said they have been updating the cameras on campus for some time and will continue to do so. As part of this, the cameras will be installed in many new locations on campus to provide better security, he said. 

RHA-sponsored President’s Hours are held at various points throughout the semester.

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