Collegiate Times

The SGA released the results of its on-campus survey, finding that dining hall congestion is a main issue for students.

After three days of surveying the student body, Student Outreach, a branch of the Student Government Association, gathered student opinions on campus issues.

The survey got results from 11 percent of the student body.

Extreme Makeover Campus Edition, hosted by the SGA, is not over yet, but the first round of results has already given direction to what changes the SGA should pursue on campus.

The survey included questions about Newman Library, student centers, transportation and dining, but dining was where students said they'd like to see change the most.

Roy Abernathy, co-director of Student Outreach, said that concern was one he expected to see.

Several students found line crowding and walking flow to be a big issue, which reaffirmed that the problem was worth pursuing.

“We are working, in SGA, on dining halls and walking slow as being the biggest problem,” Abernathy said, “Lines are designed in a way that you can’t get to them.”

Turner Place is typically the most popular dining spot on campus. According to Abernathy, this leads to congestion and interfering lines. According to survey results, West End, which was just renovated, has the same problem.

Survey results also indicated that students want more 24-hour study space. In 2010, SGA worked with faculty to open Torgersen Bridge 24/7, but it was closed when Newman Library announced it would remain open all night.

The survey showed that students still want that workspace, something the SGA is working on, according to Abernathy.

Another survey will be released soon that will provide the SGA with more detailed responses from students.

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A version of this article appeared in the Oct 31 issue of the Collegiate Times.