Wednesday evening, a crowd of about 40 gathered in the Old University Union to attend this semester’s open house between students and administration.
Vice President of Administration James VanVoorst, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Mary Ann Swain and Vice President of Student Affairs Rodger Summers were on hand to answer questions provided by students. Student Association President Michael Schiffman acted as emcee, directing questions pre-supplied by students to each of the three administrators in turn.
Topics ranged from classroom space and various construction projects throughout campus to the always controversial add/drop deadline.
“As a former faculty member, I want students that come to my class to be committed,” Swain said. “I want you to decide in those first two weeks. I won’t reconsider it.”
A fair amount of time was also devoted to discussing the increasing tension forming between Binghamton’s New York State University Police and the student body.
“Our police force does an outstanding job of dealing with issues,” VanVoorst said. “But please, come to us, talk to us if you feel you have been mishandled.”
Another hot topic was the possibility of several new academic buildings being constructed over the next decade. Plans to add another engineering building to the newly completed Innovative Technologies Center that currently houses the biological engineering department were discussed.
VanVoorst also described the possible addition of a Science V and placing new academic buildings where Dickinson Community housing currently exists.
The evening ended on a bittersweet note as exiting VP of Student Affairs Rodger Summers took the opportunity to ask students to make an effort to get to know his replacement and eliminate tension that currently exists between students and the administration.
Summers said, “I hope that we can break down these barriers of mistrust that we’re out to get you.”