On March 31, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) President Sharon K. Hahs hosted an informal student town hall meeting. Hahs initiated the meeting by discussing the importance of having inclusive student representation in university decisions. Open discussion soon followed after her five minute introduction. Even though only twelve individuals attended the meeting, many productive questions and suggestions were asked and given. The topics ranged from transportation and advising issues, to matters in publicity and athletics.
NEIU Student Senator Stephan McCollom stressed the need for a transportation solution at the NEIU off-campus center, El Centro. McCollom explained that El Centro students have experienced problems with parking as a result of rising city meter prices, lack of parking spaces, and vehicle related robberies. He also claimed that the neighborhood was poorly lit at night, leaving El Centro’s night students to wonder about their safety.
Hahs made sure the audience was aware that the university has been trying to find a parking solution and that the building in which El Centro is located is a leased building. She claimed the parking meters were going to be taken out soon and that the university would consider looking for a different location once the lease on El Centro’s current location expires. Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance (GLBTA) President Heather Dean asked President Hahs if NEIU would consider reserving a space for the LGBT community in the planned “Latino Resource Center”. Dean also commented on the university’s failing grade in a study that researched LGBT-friendly universities and colleges. Hahs made it clear that the Latino center was in the planning stages and would likely include spaces for other minority groups. She was not aware of NEIU’s failing grade and assured Dean she would look into the subject.
Another NEIU Student Senator, Angel Velez, asked Hahs if NEIU planned on reintroducing sport leagues. Velez believed that by bringing sports back, NEIU’s school spirit would be more visible in students. Hahs responded by saying that there were no current plans to do such a thing. She used the example of a “sister university” who reintroduced sports and how they are now in debt because of it. Hahs claimed that if NEIU were to bring back sports, the school would have to raise overall tuition fees to support athletics.