SGA’s spring 2025 President’s Hour was kicked off at 7 p.m. in the Orndorff Theater in the CUB on Monday, Mar. 24.

In attendance was Director of Facilities Management Matthew Dominick, Vice President of Student Affairs Lorie Sheetz, Provost Darrell Newton, SUPD Chief Patrick Taylor and Shippensburg University Dining Services General Manager Will Anderson. SU President Patterson was not in attendance as he was recovering from minor surgery.

Monday night’s session was moderated by SGA President-Elect Nathan Garber, who also passed along questions that were asked online.

In previous years, more than one President’s Hour session was held each semester. According to Lorie Sheetz, President Patterson and campus faculty are easier to reach out to and ask questions than in prior years, lessening the need for in-person Q&A sessions.

During the hour-long meeting, topics discussed included construction on the Franklin Science Center, improvements coming to online courses and how current political issues regarding the Department of Education and how anti-DEI efforts will affect Shippensburg University.

On the Franklin Science Center construction, Dominick stated that the project should wrap up in spring 2027. A follow up question was brought up by sophomore chemistry major Ryan Mills, who asked why the Franklin project started as late as it did. Dominick responded, “There were some issues of awarding of bids to contractors that were not responsive. With the rebidding process it took time.”

Junior Roderick Porter Jr. asked each of the panelists what upcoming projects they are excited about.

Provost Newton discussed his plans to expand educational opportunities for nontraditional students, particularly in the online field.

Newton went into detail on the advantages online courses provide for students who work or are involved with campus activities. “You self-govern. You self-pace yourselves,” Newton said. Newton continued, saying, “a lot of possibilities are there that work out very well.”

Among ever-growing concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on college campuses, the future of these efforts at Shippensburg University was a heavily discussed issue. According to Lorie Sheetz, “we are committed to our mission of servicing all students and to be inclusive for all students.” Newton was firm in his statement that the university would not turn its back on students of color.

Matthew Dominick followed up by addressing the work Facilities Management does with the Office of Accessibility Resources to make sure all parts of campus are accessible for students with disabilities. Part of that work involves the ongoing replacement of damaged tactile paving along sidewalks.

Shortly before Monday night’s President’s Hour came to a close, Rodorick Porter asked, “What can students do to continue to stay informed?”

Each of the speakers reiterated the need to always ask questions and hold conversations on critical topics. “I’d rather see someone come and ask me a question than ask social media,” SUPD Chief Taylor suggested, “get to know your local government; let them hear your voice.”

During closing remarks, Lorie Sheetz stated that all SGA committees are looking for members and that the next public meeting for SGA is scheduled for April 3.

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