Opinion by Sadie Murphy 

When I met with President Manchin, I was very impressed with his vision for bridging the communication gap between the corks and screws that keep Glenville running and the average student. Despite having a 10 a.m. appointment, I sat for over 30 minutes watching countless individuals fill and vacate the office. It became very obvious very quickly that Manchin did not have much time to breath in between the visitors who walked in and out of the space like well-oiled machine cogs. Every individual who came out of that office had smiles on their faces. I was delighted by one conversation that described terms of endearment in Manchin’s self-titled “Italian 101 lesson for the day” that explained that Italian men were often called “patsy,” while a female cousin would be referred to as “cous" – if they liked you!

The main lobby to the office has a very homey feeling, with a box of masks at the door and Lysol in the corner. Manchin and others were on the phone with presumably the County Commissioner of Harrison County, who will likely attend and speak to guests at Manchin’s inauguration on April 9, to set up an event on April 22.

Before coming to greet me, I heard Manchin telling someone that he supported “whatever made the most people happy” regarding next year’s schedule, which will hopefully include a spring break.

Manchin invited me into his office. The atmosphere was much more like sitting down and talking to your favorite uncle than being called to the principal’s office. “Come sit down,” he said. There was a small couch that looked super comfortable, but I chose to sit in one of the chairs across from the desk. I didn’t even have time to get anxious before Manchin offered me a smile and asked me, “What’s on your mind?”

We spoke about the introduction of a student advisory committee on campus that would work directly with the president. Manchin described this as a more informal group than the Student Government Association, which he explained was an integral part of our college. The SGA works with the Board of Governors and sits on the President’s cabinet. Manchin’s wants to ensure students that “they have the ear of the president” but stresses that this is not a replacement for SGA.

In my experience, SGA has been ill-informed about issues surrounding the constitute group it represents in the past. On Thursday, March 25, a concerned student attended an SGA meeting to find out more information about a troubling email students had received earlier in the week. I attended this meeting through the virtual link. The email reminded students of the school’s policy against any form of hazing and ended with an inspirational message from the past professor of Criminal Justice and current Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs, Jason Yeager.

The Student Government Association was unable to provide the concerned student or the rest of the senate with any information surrounding the allegation. Unsettlingly, an advisor stepped in to inform members of the reasons why the SGA Officers Team would not have this information.

In a later meeting with students on April 1, SGA President Jasmine Tarman shared that this may be because students have not been coming to her with their problems. She encouraged students to speak to her when issues arise. The same advisor stepped in again without being prompted and insinuated that students needed to be reminded of "the chain of command," which made her [the advisor] seem more like an insensitive superior rather than someone providing a comforting and supportive environment for students struggling with difficult issues.

Manchin’s group will offer a safe place compromised of just students and the president – except when another member of the campus community is needed to provide information. 

Manchin suggests that a small group of students be selected to identify issues among their peers. Those students would make sure that those issues were brought to the attention of the right individuals to help our college overcome adversity. This forward-thinking idea surrounds the premise of an evolving discussion board.

Manchin explained that while the SGA is an established institution, some issues are dynamic and require a new strategy. Students on the committee one week may not be the same as the next. The goal is to connect students who have problems and solutions with those who can enable them to make necessary changes on campus. Manchin explained that it would not always be students who initiate meetings. There may be times when he looks to students for guidance. He gave the example: “If I’m initiating, I may call [an appointed student] and say, ‘Can you get me five or six students together to talk about this issue’ and they will designate individuals – I won’t. They may get ahold of me and say, ‘can we talk to you’ and I will say ‘absolutely – according to availability – but absolutely, come on down and we will discuss issues.’”  

“I’m sure there are a lot of issues on campus, and I don’t always hear them. I really feel strongly about being informed and this may be positive or there may be issues we need to address. There may be something negative,” Manchin pointed out that administration is not omnipotent.

We want to make this the safest campus. We want to make this the best campus. We want students to have a good time, get a good quality education, and enjoy their college life. I think in order for that to happen – sometimes adults, people of leadership make decisions that we think are the best and this committee will have standing. They will be able to bring to me thoughts about policy changes, facilities, whatever issues. They will have broad authority because they will be bringing those issues to the Presidents attention. Based on the discussion and their recommendations, I will implement – when feasible – those wishes. That’s really what it’s all about.” – President Manchin

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