Welcome to the Oval Office!
With just a few more weeks left in the semester, the Student Government Association (SGA) has been trying to make them as productive as we can. Most recently, SGA hosted an open meeting with students, Chef, and the Lackmann team to share ideas and suggestions for improvement. In response to complaints about long lines: Lackmann said they have added more workers during high volume times. Seltzer is available on the fountain machines if you press the smaller “soda” gray button.

Those students asking for healthier side options in the Hawks Nest, you can request a side of salad (Garden or Cesar), or fruit. Whole-wheat wraps are also available in the Dining Hall if you ask. Other students mentioned they are hungry at night and suggested to extend the Hawks Nest’s hours past 10 p.m. and/or bring in a food truck on campus. If you have any suggestions, please let Chef, any of the Lackmann managers, or SGA know by emailing sga@wagner.edu and we’ll be sure to look into it.

Homecoming festivities went great as usual and, this time, with no snow! Students, family, and friends were there to support our Seahawks in the stands, but tailgating, a very popular activity at many sports games and concerts, was lightly celebrated. The erected tent, or alternative to tailgating, that sold food and beverages seemed to be avoided by fans, even those who were 21-and-older. While fans certainly showed Wagner pride in the stands, more work needs to be done to find a common ground on tailgating that leads to both a safe and an enjoyable atmosphere for all parties, including current students. “Homecoming is an event for the alumni, but we are the future alumni. If we aren’t enjoying homecoming now, then why would we come back?” said a student at the last Town Hall meeting. For those of you who missed Homecoming, Seahawks took the win — congratulations!

Lastly, the library hours are still in the process of being extended. As a side note, desk lamps have been added to areas of the library where the lighting was previously dim. I’d also like to highlight the success at this year’s Fall Fest, which featured a mechanical bull, and had support from many students on campus. And finally, WagCab’s Skyline Comedy Series was once again a big hit this month. If you missed it, be sure to check it out next time!

That’s all for now.
Signing off,
Gregory J. Balaes
President, Student Government Association