AR-2022-08-04: HSC Facility Improvements

West Virginia University
The Student Assembly - Student Government Association
Assembly Resolution: AR-2022-08-04

AN ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION TO UPDATE THE HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER FACILITY

Whereas, the West Virginia University (WVU) missionstates, “As a land-grant institution, the faculty, staff and students at West Virginia University commit to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that advances education, healthcare and prosperity for all…by leading transformation in West Virginia…”; and,

Whereas, the WVU Student Government Association (SGA) Constitution states that “we desire to ensure the general welfare of the students within our University”; and,

Whereas, the WVU SGA’s vision reads, “To be a Student Government Association that serves the students, West Virginia University, and the State of West Virginia by; promoting inclusion, creating a campus that can accommodate everyone”; and,

Whereas, SGA representatives toured the Health Sciences Campus with WVU administrators to discuss student concerns, current facility improvements, and future projects; and,

Whereas, the major water leak in the ceiling above and surrounding the Pylon Commons have been identified and corrected; and,

Whereas, the third floor of Health Sciences North is currently under renovation and additional floor renovations are planned for the near future; and,

Whereas, the roof to Health Sciences South is currently being repaired and a new boiling system is imminent; and,

Whereas, additional microwaves were installed at the top of the stairway from the Pylon Commons upon conversations with university administrators; and,

Whereas, we, the students of WVU and members of SGA, are grateful for the university administration’s transparent and accessible leadership, as well as the completed and currently-underway facility transformations; and,

Whereas, SGA’s proposal to transform the benches lining the wall between Fukushima Auditorium and the Pylon Commons into barstools with charging ports, including accessible seating options, has been pitched to outside companies but not yet implemented; and,

Whereas, students have expressed frustrations and accessibility concerns around handicap door openers at Health Sciences Center not opening the set of doors on the same side of the hallway as the button; and,

Whereas, water leaks and ceiling damage remains in the Health Sciences Library, and,

Whereas, students have expressed a desire for additional outdoor social spaces (e.g., hammocks, tables and chairs); and,

Whereas, students have expressed a desire to increase seating density atop the Pylon Commons, behind Jazzman’s at Cavanaugh’s, and outside Fukushima Auditorium; and,

Whereas, the aforementioned improvements would improve the student experience, beautify our Health Sciences Campus, and demonstrate a willingness to partner with students in their desires, when feasible; and,

Therefore, be it resolved by the Student Assembly of West Virginia University:

Section 1: Formally expresses its gratitude for recent, current, and future facility updates at the Health Sciences Center.

Section 2: Encourages the transformation of benches into barstool seating with charging ports and accessible seating options between Pylon Commons and Fukushima Auditorium; the repair of the Health Sciences Library ceiling; additional outdoor hammocks, tables, and chairs; denser seating options above Pylons Commons, behind Jazzman’s at Cavanaugh’s, and outside Fukushima Auditorium; and ensuring handicap door openers correspond to the set of doors for which they are adjacent.

Section 3: Following passage and approval, this legislation will be forwarded to:

Mandates:

• G. Corey Farris, Dean of Students
• Sabrina Cave, Executive Director, Student Enrichment
• Dr. Thanh Le, Director, Student Engagement and Leadership (Advisor)
• Rob Alsop, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
• Clay Marsh, M.D., Dean, School of Medicine, Chancellor and Executive Dean for Health Sciences
• Ted Svehlik, Associate Vice President, Auxiliary and Business Services
• Cathy Patterson, Director, Health Sciences Center, Facilities Management
• James Kosik, Associate Vice President, Facilities and Services