Student Concerns Chair Jaywin Malhi shared the results of the campus-wide survey regarding issues on campus during Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting.
“The survey was to gauge student concerns and then follow up and address them through legislation in the senate,” Malhi said. “This was the first part.”
Of the 1,438 surveys collected 1,253 were used.
The Student Concerns Committee concluded these main points.
The majority of SMU students feel “demographically represented” on campus.
They are also “satisfied with the campus diversity” and most feel “comfortable” being open about their sexual orientation.
Also, many of the questions pertained to SMU school spirit.
For example, many SMU students would attend pep-rallies before football games and approve of the mascot Mustangs (Liberty and Justice) participating in games.
Lastly, the survey noted that many of students do not seem to use the Mustang Express or feel the need to extend services.
Malhi explained that now the Committee must decide how to implement programs to promote the survey’s findings.
For example, most students are in favor of more ATMS from major banks in Hughes-Triggs. Malhi feels this might be possible.
Some senators questioned the credibility of the survey since the survey did not reach the entire student body.
“To summarize the top three [questions] . . . the majority of students feel like they are the majority,” Lyle Senator Christian Genco said. Does that say anything?”
Diversity Chair Kian Hervey asked what was the “make up demographically” of the student who took the survey.
Malhi acknowledged the potential limitations of the survey and agreed with Hervey’s point.
“This is by no means a scientific representation sample of the student body,” Malhi said. “Naturally, we are limited by the information we get.”
Also during the Student Senate meeting, the senate vacancies were filled.
Matt Alexander and Hiba Ibad now represent Dedman II. The Cox vacancy was filled by Jason Carlson.
Finally, the Meadows vacancy was filled by Meredith Tavallee.
