SGA creates construction warnings, improves campus safety

Students at Georgia College & State University can now expect early warning of construction problems and improved security from campus emergency posts thanks to

Student Government Association resolutions passed last December.

Resolution No. 3 ensures the maintenance and monthly inspection of emergency blue light posts on campus, while Resolution No. 4 seeks to improve communication from campus services about construction hazards and inconveniences.

Both resolutions were quickly signed by President Dorothy Leland, becoming official statements.

According to SGA President Loman Martin, addressing the construction situation is something long overdue.

“There was a resolution specifically for campus construction notification policy,” said Martin. “It just lets students know that the path they typically take to class won’t be

cut one day with construction. There will not be a hole in the path, or their car will not be fenced in a lot.”

GC&SU Plant Operations will be responsible for these notifications.

“We have already expanded the process of notifying our campus community when construction may potentially create inconvenience to students, faculty and staff,” said Pam Glover of GC&SU Plant Operations. “A brief description of the activity, the expected duration and the impact of an area are posted to the student list.”

Campus services, especially the Info Page, will warn students three to four days in advance of construction sites and activities.

“It’s really just a courtesy,” said Martin. “Students really wanted that, particularly because if they’ve gone to Georgia College in the last couple of years, they know routes tend to change rather frequently because we like to build stuff around here.”

Plant Operations intends to act aggressively, making sure students have several means of notification.

“The notification process may include announcements on the student radio station and campus television,” said Glover. “Additionally, I have asked the department of

University Communications to explore the possibility of creating a link from the university Web site to a page that would give information on current construction projects.”

The administrative office also shares SGA and Plant Operations’ dedication to this resolution.

“Thanks to SGA for bringing this useful resolution forward,” said President Leland. “Advance notification of construction work that temporarily blocks passageways, parking or otherwise disrupts everyday routines will improve the communication and help to prevent needless frustration.”

Resolution No. 3 serves to make certain all X-Box emergency blue lights on campus are functioning properly at all times. These blue light posts are programmed to send a signal directly to GC&SU police at the push of a button.

“It’s a key issue, particularly to our ladies on campus,” said Martin. “It’s not something we were slacking in, but we have heard students say that a blue light was not working when they needed it.”

Both the SGA and the administrative office agree implementation of both policies must be absolute.

Martin said SGA will continue to confer with GC&SU Plant Operations, making sure students are adequately warned of construction. If not, calls will be made to Plant Operations.

Now that the blue light resolution is approved, the Office of Public Safety plans to inspect the system at least once a month.

“Public Safety is now checking the security blue lights on campus even more frequently than recommended by the SGA resolution,” said Leland. “The safety of our students, faculty and staff is critically important, and we welcome suggestions for improving an already excellent job in this area.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Jan 28 2005. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry