By: Olivia Schueller Follow @OliviaSchueller

A panel of Quinnipiac administrators took to the stage in the Piazza this past Wednesday as the Student Government Association held its annual State of the QUnion.  The goal of the event: to have questions answered in regards to Quinnipiac’s current projects and problems.

One of the most recent issues Quinnipiac has experienced is the frequent power outages that have affected the Mount Carmel campus throughout the fall and spring semester. The first incident was due to a generator failing. Power was turned off the second time on purpose so that facilities could fix the valve. Unfortunately, there was a third time the power failed students on main campus, this was due to a transformer failing.

Mark Thompson, Executive Vice President and Provost, was asked about the establishment of club sports something some SGA executive board candidates have been pushing  in thier campagins this week.  To this question Thompson answered that he has a feeling that club sports are on the horizon.

After recent school shootings, students were reassured that public safety is armed and well trained. James Nealy, Assistant Chief in the Department of Public Safety reminded students, “if you see something, say something.”

The issue on diversity on campus and among professors was another hot topic that was brought up.

“I think one of the most diverse places we see on campus is the Chartwells cafe…and we really have to look at that and think why is that the case,” Don Sawyer, Interim Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, said.

Sal Filardi also confirmed that the transition of the School of Communications is still underway as they are currently in the first step of their two step plan.  He also spoke about the new York Hill Residence Hall that was approved by Hamden Planning and Zoning Commission the day before.

That Thursday, QU News sent out an alert on the behalf of Lynn Bushnell, vice president for public affairs that said, “The Hamden Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved the university’s plans to build a 220-bed residence hall on the York Hill Campus.”

The new residence hall is being designed for seniors and will have air-conditioned single rooms and three community rooms.  One of the community will provide additionial meeting sites for the universities various student organizations as it will be able to accomodate up to 200 people.

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As seen on the Q30 News live stream of State of the QUnion 2018, live show host Joel Vanner interviews Dr. John L. Lahey, President of Quinnipiac University on how events like the State of the QUnion impact the student body, how the student leader at Quinnipiac has grown and what he thinks will be the most important topic discussed.

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As seen on the Q30 News live stream of State of the QUnion 2018, live show host Joel Vanner interviews Dr. Thompson, Executive Vice President and Provost of Quinnipiac University on how his position directly impacts students, why this event is important, how the student leadership atmosphere has grown and if events like the State of the QUnion actually make an impact.