Student Government Board addressed student safety concerns over snowstorm effects and new updates encouraging student and employee protection at the Recreation and Wellness Center at its weekly meeting Tuesday night over Teams.
Pitt announced Tuesday evening that all in-person activities and classes would resume Wednesday following two days of closures. Board member Andrew Elliott emphasized the challenges of traveling due to current road and sidewalk conditions and how it could put Pitt students in danger.
“We are going back to school tomorrow — what I personally view as a fairly reckless decision on the University’s part, given that the city of Pittsburgh is still in a state of emergency due to the snow and widespread blockages of roads, walkways and the dangers associated with traveling in this weather,” Elliott said.
Along with conditions from the recent storm, Elliott added that current and upcoming freezing temperatures will also make it unsafe for students to attend in-person classes and activities.
“There is also a weather advisory for the city, given that wind chill temperatures both tomorrow and Friday will reach below -15 degrees, [which poses] a serious risk of frostbite or hypothermia,” Elliott said.
Board member Siya Saraswat advocated for the safety of Pitt students living off-campus due to the incomplete plowing and snow removal in some areas of Oakland.
“[Off-campus] areas are significantly less cleared off compared to on-campus locations,” Saraswat said. “It is slightly better on campus right now.”
As students utilize the new Recreation and Wellness Center, board member Kylie Baker and director of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Carrie Benson have been working to improve student protection and employee training to ensure safety for all students at the center.
“Last week, I met with Carrie Benson to talk about safety in the Rec Center, how we can improve people’s feeling of safety and how employees can have better bystander training,” Baker said.
Alongside Baker and Benson, Saraswat is working to improve student safety in the Rec Center, potentially by making opportunities to report sexual violence or harassment more accessible within the facility.
“We are talking about putting up signage in the Rec Center to help report cases of sexual misconduct,” Saraswat said.
Baker announced that the second Warm Clothing Closet of the academic year will be open on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. in dining room C of the William Pitt Union. Baker said it will provide access to warm clothing and accessories for Pitt students.
“We do not have as much supply this time, but given how awful the weather has been, we just want to get as many students equipped with heavy coats, scarves and hats,” Baker said.
SGB President Marley Pinsky concluded the meeting by emphasizing the importance of remaining safe during the current conditions.
“For those of you living off campus, please do what you need to do to look out for yourselves,” Pinsky said. “Look out for your friends and neighbors, and please prioritize your health and safety over your academics.”
Allocations:
American Marketing Association requested $5,661.40 for a competition. The board approved this request in full.
Chinese American Student Association requested $12,648.11 for an on-campus program. The board amended and approved this request to $12,684.11.
Phi Delta Epsilon requested $2,800.84 for a conference. The board approved this request in full.
Bethel Campus Fellowship requested $5,000.00 for a conference. The board amended and approved this request to $1,441.88.
Women’s Water Polo Club requested $4,807.25 for general funds. The board amended and approved this request to $3,825.00.
Men’s Volleyball Club requested $8,180.67 for a competition. The board amended and approved this request to $8,142.00.