Members also explore a possible increase in student activity fee.
By Gabriela Rodriguez
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
This college needs to improve accessibility for disabled students — such as building new ramps and other installations, said psychology sophomore and Student Government Association President Harley Williams at the SGA’s Oct. 5 meeting.
This was one of the main concerns at the SGA’s monthly Pepsi with the President meeting Sep. 22, Williams said. During that meeting SGA members and this college’s executive team — including President Robert Vela — discussed possible solutions to this and other problems.
Williams encouraged students to speak up about accessibility problems so faculty and other students are aware.
“There’s a couple of solutions being considered, but it’s mostly about being proactive,” said Williams, who added that the discussion will continue at the next Pepsi with the President meeting.
She said making such improvements might be difficult because of low enrollment, which can reduce funding.
The association also discussed gun control on campus with Vela and administrators at Pepsi with the President. Williams said this college will monitor — and possibly follow — how UTSA and other area colleges are handling the state’s new campus-carry law, which allows handguns on university campuses next summer and at community colleges effective August 2017.
There could be gun-free designated areas such as the early childhood center and counseling and advising, she said.
“Parking lots will be considered a place where students can carry guns,” Williams said.
SGA also discussed a possible increase in the student activity fee, which would rise from $1 to $2 per credit hour.
It is not set in stone, but it would help club budgets so members could attend more off-campus conferences and activities and students could enjoy more movie nights and events in Loftin Student Center and the mall, Williams said.
“Dr. Vela thinks it’s a good idea,” Williams said.
When the time comes to make a decision, all students can participate in a campus-wide vote, she said. After the vote, the board of trustees will communicate the results with all Alamo Colleges. All campuses must agree with the increase or it will not happen.
The SGA invited students to sign a memorial card to be mailed Oct. 9 to Umpqua Community College in Oregon, where nine students died and nine more were injured in a shooting Oct. 1.
The SGA meets from noon-1 p.m. the first three Mondays of every month in the craft room of Loftin Student Center.
There are no requirements to join the Student Government Association.
“Anyone can join any time,” SGA adviser Chaye Pena said.
After attending four meetings or participating in four SGA events students are considered a “member at large” and they can list membership on their résumé.
For more information, call SGA at 210-486-0125.
