A hot topic at West Virginia University’s first Student Government Association meeting was drunken-driving prevention.
Ric Hogerheide, a freshman environmental protection major, came up with an idea for a carpool service for students under-the-influence.
After meeting with SGA President Jason Zuccari, Vice President Whitney Rae Peters and Gov. Cameron Taylor, Hogerheide presented his plan to the Board of Governors.
The purpose, according to Hogerheide, is to reduce the 533 drunken-driving arrests reported in Monongalia County.
“The problem with Morgantown’s taxi service is that it has been monopolized and is more restricted to students,” Hogerheide said. “We want to open up transportation and make it safer for everyone.”
Drivers would receive a chauffeur license and safety training. They would drop students off at five designated spots around campus.
To access the service, the passenger would call a phone number and need only a student ID, according to Hogerheide’s plan.
“We will assume everyone who uses the service will be over 21,” Hogerheide said. “Will there be underage drinking? Yes. Do we promote it? No. We just want to keep (students) safe.”
One student, junior political science major, Don Saas spoke out against the program, citing liability as an issue.
“SGA should be cautious before giving their stamp of approval on this program,“ Saas said. “We can’t afford paying through the nose for liability by raising fees and tuition. It would be the students who have to beat it.”
Taylor is writing a proposal to be debated on at next week’s meeting.
If passed, SGA members will meet with WVU administration on the issue.
Another topic of discussion was recycling and sustainability.
Barbara Angeletti, recycling coordinator in facilities management took the floor to discuss ways students can be sustainable.
“We need volunteers for our Mountaineers Recycle program,” Angeletti said.
Volunteers will meet four hours before football games and be given yellow bags to place any aluminum cans and plastic bottles to be recycled.
SGA’s night began with a meet and greet held in the Greenbrier Room in the Mountainlair. Over 50 freshmen packed the room, snacking on cookies and sodas, while asking questions about student government.
Inquiries included how freshmen can get involved in student government, governors’ platforms and discussions about traffic.
During the meeting, attendees asked questions about campus.
One student asked about crosswalk safety in front of the Mountainlair.
“No one really wants to abide by the crosswalk,” said Gov. Taylor Richmond. “These are the issues that plagued SGA members of the past. We hear what students are saying and are working to make that cobblestone section safer.”
The meeting adjourned with Peters announcing a blog for students to praise or bash the new Mountaineer Information Express.
Students are encouraged to take part in the discussion at sga.wvu.edu.
travis.crum@mail.wvu.edu
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