Over 100 students sat in silence in the Estey Hall on Dec. 4 due to poor conditions in dormitories. Several students demanded to see President Newsome while the others sat with duck tape, labeled with descriptions of their poor conditions, around their mouths. A new semester has resumed and some students’ are inquiring on the changes and results of the protest. “I don’t see any changes that have been made so far but hopefully they will come,” states Camonte Carrol, resident in the TOS men dormitory. According to Joyce Allen-Davis, administrative assistant to the VP of student affairs, a lot of changes have been made and more will come in the future. “The flushing of the drainage system, new mattresses, shower curtains and ceiling tile are some of the accomplishments that have already taken effect,” said Davis.
Students and the university officials are working together to assure that these changes are being made efficiently, according to student affairs. “I love seeing the administration and students working together towards a positive step,” states Davis.
According to student affairs, student’s attitudes have become more confident since noticing some changes. “The window on the seventh floor is finally fixed,” said William Downs, Fleming Kee resident.
Almost eight weeks have gone by since the protest and proven results are being made says school officials . “We have a new microwave and toaster in the cafeteria,” states Ricky Cunningham with a smile.
According to student affairs, there is no estimated time when all demands will be met but there is progression. “The students are finally demanding excellence and that’s what I like to see,” said Davis.
Student Body President, Shaunte Brown has been very involved in making sure that the concerns of the students are heard by the administration. As a result of the protest, Brown says, “The Administration and the Board of Trustees have a greater understanding of the students needs and concerns and they know the students expectations.”
Many changes have been made including random attendance checks on the students and faculty to make sure everyone is showing up to class when they are supposed to. The attendance policy stated in the student handbook is also being strictly enforced this semester. Shaw University also plans on adding two more majors to the curriculum, criminal justice and pre-medicine to accommodate more students and they are working on accumulating more grants for special programs.
Senior Katrina Braxton, says that she has seen a few changes academically this semester. “The learning objectives for each course and a grading rubric are more clearly defined in the syllabus so that there are no discrepancies between the teachers and the students.” Fellow senior Jarrel Johnson, is not as pleased however with the changes being made so far. He is happy that teachers are being held more accountable for coming to class, but he hopes a clearer plan of a more challenging curriculum will come soon