On Oct. 31st, 2024, the SMSU president, Kumara Jayasuriya, led his monthly Town Hall meeting. Joined by SMSU administration, staff, faculty members, and students. The meeting was composed of discussions and announcements regarding various topics.
First, the provost, Dr. Wastvedt and Christine shared the criteria SMSU continues to follow to ensure quality education and student experiences. These were SMSU’s passion for student success as a student-centered institution, practicing their integrity, ethical, responsible conduct, ensuring quality education, providing excellent assessment to ensure quality learning and using resources to extend learning opportunities like online learning.
President Jayasuriya later mentioned that when he first became president, he wanted the SMSU administration to emphasize not only what we already have to offer but also the plans for the institution. This reflects his desire for innovative ideas that help improve an educational institution.
A faculty member shared an idea about changing the names of the buildings. The president responded that this idea could be discussed later since it is a big conversation and requires a separate meeting.
Following that, a faculty member asked a question regarding plans to improve the courtyard and add more plants, to which another faculty member responded that SMSU is trying to prevent attracting more wildlife (insects, birds, etc.) to the courtyard as it only harms them.
A faculty member asked about the administration’s intentions to improve the Mustang Market program. The president said that when sufficient funds were available, they planned to open the Mustang Market weekly instead of just four times a month.
By opening the Mustang Market more regularly than usual, students can save money and make their own food for free.
Announcements regarding student activities were made towards the end of the meeting. The faculty would like to encourage staff and students to learn Mandarin through Professor Gloria Yu’s special class, IDST 186: Chinese Mandarin.
Native American Month will start on Nov. 1st, and several student organizations will host monthly events.
SMSU will host a Fresh Check on Nov. 6th for mental health checks from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Upper CC.
The Fine Arts department will host a Fine Arts Gala on November 15th at Upper CC starting from 5:30 p.m.
Lastly, a faculty member announced that for the upcoming election, administrators, staff and faculty members should be vigilant regarding possible hate speech/comments that will be thrown around as because the election will be a sensitive time for students, especially those from a marginalized population.
Students should care about their institution’s intentions and goals for students. For this reason, I highly recommend that students attend town hall meetings to be aware of the administrative work that directly affects our education and overall experience at SMSU.