Asem Abdelfattah
Staff Writer
The Student Government Association’s weekly meeting was held Tuesday in the library for the first time.
Senator Avalon Dudinsky, a senior marketing major from Panama City, Florida, and academic life chair, collaborated with the library staff to bring the SGA meeting across the quad.
The head of reference at Troy University’s library, Jeff Simpson, led the students on a tour of the facility showcasing its recent updates and additions.
According to Simpson, there have been recent and obvious changes made over the course of the summer and the last couple of months, including new carpets, painting and technology installments.
“One of the biggest changes we made in the library is the furniture,” Simpson said. “It is now more comfortable, modern, available and connected.
“You can now plug in your computer or mobile charger right in the connected chairs and sofas we have placed throughout the library.”
Other adjustments, such as the amount of floor space and study rooms, have been expanded.
“Another big change we made is in space,” Simpson said. “We reorganized many parts of the library, removed what wasn’t needed, and created more space to add more of the new furniture for the students to use. We also added a number of study rooms in some of the old staff and storage rooms after they were renovated.”
Simpson also explained the technology lab that has been integrated on the second floor.
“Moreover, one of the changes we’re really excited about is the collaboration rooms and the LYMLab, where students could work together on projects using high-tech computers and collaboration hardware and software seamlessly,” Simpson said. “This truly changes the group project experience.”
Simpson said that a digital book scanner, poster maker, new printers and 30 new computers have been added as well.
“We added more technology to the library to increase the opportunities and capabilities of the students,” Simpson said. “We added a digital book scanner that can scan books exceptionally fast and convert it to PDF, JPEG and other formats.
“It is nice to make improvements, but it is great to make improvements that really matter. We are proud of what has been done, and expect more in the future.”
The SGA also swore in new senators at Tuesday night’s meeting. The election was decided by 800 online voters, in addition to the in-person count.
“I’m really excited to be part of the SGA as a senator working for and with the student body,” said Derek Cunningham, a junior exercise science junior from Birmingham and a recently elected senator. “This is going to be a new experience for me, and I’m ready to embrace it.”
Cunningham said he wants to make a positive impact by initiating change.
“I intend to make the best out of my time here by initiating and helping make new resolutions that would create a positive impact in the Troy community,” Cunningham said. “I’m thrilled to see change happen, meet new people, and help others however I could.”
Andrew Dearing, a junior criminal justice major from Montgomery and vice president of legislative affairs, said that the new senators are socializing and integrating well.
“The new senators are clearly ambitious and capable young men and women,” Dearing said. “They are making friends really quickly, and some of them already voiced great ideas. I’m confident that these senators will be a tremendous addition to the senate, and we are glad to have them.”
Homecoming forms and fees are due by Thursday, Sept. 15, at 5 p.m. in Trojan Center Room 215. A meeting will be held on at 8:30 p.m. in Patterson Hall Room 103.
