President Nowaczyk and Dr. Travis Answer Student Questions at Latest SGA Meeting

This past Thursday, April 16th, the Student Government Association held their most recent meeting virtually. This meeting was eventful as SGA hosted President Nowaczyk and Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Artie Lee Travis to address how the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to affect Frostburg State and answer students’ questions regarding the situation. Funding was approved for the 2020-2021 SGA budget.

The meeting began with an address from President Nowaczyk and Vice President Travis.

President Nowaczyk announced the University is in the application process of receiving $1.9 million from the federal government to be used for the benefit of Frostburg State students in this time of crisis. In regards to construction on campus, he announced the new residence hall is ahead of schedule and will be ready for use by the beginning of the fall semester. He added the construction of the university’s new Education and Health Science building is currently beginning. President Nowaczyk ended on the topic of May commencement saying the ceremony is postponed but not canceled. 

Vice President Travis began speaking about the $25,000 donated to the Student Emergency Services Fund in this time of crisis. This fund’s purpose is to ensure Frostburg State students have essentials for living including things such as food, car repairs, and technology. Dr. Travis mentioned 31% of students have been rewarded who requested it.

President Nowaczyk then began to answer students’ questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. He first stated there are no plans of having in-person classes over the summer semester. He added faculty have begun to develop syllabi for the four possible outcomes of next semester. The four possibilities include: normally scheduled in-person classes, classes are moved entirely online, transition from online to in-person, or transition from in-person to online. President Nowaczyk noted he asked the Deans to make this online transition, if it occurs, as easy as possible for incoming first-year students. President Nowaczyk continued on saying reduced budgets are being anticipated.

Arlene Cash, Vice President of Enrollment Management, spoke about a program in which currently enrolled Bobcats connect with possible future Bobcats to share their experiences at Frostburg thus far.

SGA President Jenna Puffinburger began to address an email sent out by Dr. Jeff Graham in regard to the resources that are available by the Career and Professional Development Center. The email highlights networking opportunities which will help for those lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Treasurer reported reserve funds will be accessed due to the refunds and rebates being issued to students in light of the pandemic.

The Committee reports included news about the creation of a petition to end sexual violence, the Senate Finance’s Countdown to Earth Day project and information that SafeRide gave a total of 8,108 rides before spring break began, and the election process is beginning for the Residence Hall Association.

Old business was next on the agenda with the focus being the 2020-2021 SGA budget. The estimated student activity fee for  SGA is $71,957.32; Saferide $32,246.00; Homecoming $8,862.25; Event Funding $46,201.42; Reserve $0.00. The entire amount stands at $159,266.99. The entire budget passed unanimously. In regards to event funding, the caps for both on campus and off campus events are 15% of the overall number for each semester.