On Nov. 11, a small crowd joined to address questions for Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson. 

Also in attendance was Director of Facilities Management and Planning Matt Dominick, Vice President of Student Affairs Lorie Sheetz, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Nichole Hill, SUPD Chief Pat Taylor, and Dining General Manager Will Anderson. 

The moderator for Monday night’s event was SGA Vice President of Finance Emily Wojnarski.

A range of questions were asked at the event, from the PA state grants to AI being used in classrooms. 

Patterson was asked about the PA state grants being paid out. Patterson said they will not be paid out until the state budget is passed, but once it is passed, they should be distributed within two weeks.

According to Patterson, there should be no impact on the Presidential Scholarship due to the state budget not being passed. For students who may be struggling with basic needs due to the delay, Sheetz suggested looking to Big Red’s Cupboard for help.

Dominick was asked about upcoming projects and the ongoing construction of the Franklin Science Center (FSC). Phase 1 of the FSC should be finished in late January, with Phase 2 starting in early spring. According to Dominick, there will be a 45-day period of reorganization occurring in the middle of the spring semester.

A question was asked about AI, its use in class and students using Chat GPT as a study tool. According to Hill, they are operating on an individual approach with professors to determine the rules for their classes.

Chat GPT can be used as a study tool, but students should not use it to do assignments in a class, Hill suggested. Additionally, SU is looking to make an AI database for the library.

Each panelist was asked about Homecoming and how they thought it went. They each had a positive opinion. Patterson talked about the naming of the Diane L. Jefferson Multicultural Student Affairs program. Taylor talked about the use of drones for security during Homecoming.

A question was asked about fraternities and sororities requiring first aid. Taylor suggested that it would be good for students to have first aid training, but 911 should be contacted in cases of emergencies. He also suggested normalizing having partygoers get checked by medical professionals if their health is at risk.

Sheetz also answered this question and brought up the social event policy that they must follow and are held accountable to. 

According to Sheetz, there is a medical amnesty law in place where underage students who have been drinking will not face legal or academic consequences if they report that one of their fellow students is at risk.

There was a question for Anderson about new dining hall plans. They are putting a new Corner Spotlight offering with boneless wings and fries on Fridays. If students have any recommendations for the dining hall, Anderson urged them to fill the Raider Request board in the Reisner Dining Hall.

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