Dear President Daniels and Administrators,
As the Student Government Association (SGA), we believe that the heart of a university lies not just in its buildings but in the experience it offers its students. Our campus is undergoing significant changes, and while we recognize the importance of these improvements for the university’s future, the ongoing renovation of the Milton S. Eisenhower (MSE) Library and the delay in opening the new Hopkins Student Center have created major challenges.
We deeply appreciate the administration's efforts to improve replacement study spaces, but these solutions do not fully compensate for what has been lost. Recent feedback from our student body reflects significant challenges with accessibility, study spaces, campus aesthetics, and overall comfort. We write in the hope of collaborating to address these challenges together and ensure that the student experience remains strong during this transition.
As such, the SGA is advocating for a 5% tuition reduction, along with the implementation of other programs to support students during this time. These solutions would acknowledge the student body’s frustration for the following reasons:
- Lack of Communication from the Administration: Significant changes, such as the fencing off of the MSE patio, have occurred without prior notice to students. The lack of communication in regards to these disruptions adds to our frustration and confusion, leaving students feeling disconnected from the planning processes that directly impact their daily lives.
- Less, Further Study Spaces: Despite the efforts to provide additional areas for study, students report that there are still not enough suitable spaces to meet the demand. While the MSE Annex and Hodson Hall changes are helpful, these locations are further from the center of campus, making these alternative spaces less desirable.
- Decreased Accessibility and Longer Commute Times: The closure of key pathways has significantly increased the difficulties that students with disabilities encounter in their commute around campus. The lack of implementation of alternative transportation routes has resulted in longer commute times for all students.
- Loss of Campus Culture and Community: The closure of MSE, which served as a central hub for student life, has fragmented the student body’s ability to connect. With its closure, students feel more isolated, and the sense of community that once thrived in that space has severely diminished. This contributes to a less cohesive campus culture and reduces our student body’s sense of belonging.
- Loss of Visual Aesthetics: Fences, temporary roads, and construction have disrupted campus aesthetics, affecting student well-being, enjoyment of experiences like taking graduation photos, and the university's international image as a leading institution.
While we understand that construction delays are often beyond immediate control, it is crucial to address the challenges students are currently facing rather than focusing solely on future improvements. To that end, we propose a 5% tuition reduction for all undergraduates during the 2024-2025 academic year. This reduction would acknowledge the significant disruptions to student life caused by ongoing construction.
According to a recent survey conducted by the SGA, 69% of students reported being 'dissatisfied' or 'very dissatisfied' with current campus conditions. Additionally, 83% of respondents indicated that construction has impacted their accessibility or ability to navigate around campus. Implementing this tuition reduction would serve as a meaningful gesture of goodwill, demonstrating the university’s commitment to easing the burden on students during this transitional period. We are open to collaborating with the administration to explore feasible methods to make this reduction possible, reinforcing the university's dedication to supporting its students during this time of disruption.
We are also looking to collaborate on implementing other programs, in addition to the tuition reduction, to support students during this time. Some of the ideas we would like to enact include:
- Extend free or subsidized transportation services, such as:
- Expanding hours and range for services like Hop Van shuttles.
- Increased accessible parking for students and faculty.
- Offering automatic credits for electric scooters/bikes (such as those provided by Lyft or Lime) that are available around campus and the city to ease navigation.
- Offering on-campus transportation like golf carts that commute students to different buildings.
- Increase funding and storage options for student organizations to foster community-building events and engagement opportunities that can help maintain a vibrant campus atmosphere.
- Expand study space availability:
- Extend classroom access for studying, including potentially unused rooms in Gilman Hall and other buildings.
- Implement a study-space tracker similar to one previously used in Brody that shows real-time availability in all study spaces across campus to help students locate open areas quickly and efficiently.
- Create/Reopen pathways to help students navigate construction areas more easily, reducing the need to walk on grass or take longer detours.
- One particular pathway is the one from the Beach, past the Barn, past the B-level Brody entrance, through the Krieger Tunnel, leading to the Student Disabilities Office in Shaffer Hall.
- Ensure the proper lighting of current and future temporary pathways.
- Establish clear and consistent communication:
- Provide timely updates on upcoming and ongoing construction projects, including details on affected areas, expected duration, and alternative routes.
- Ensure students are informed well in advance of any changes to campus pathways, study spaces, or accessibility routes.
We are confident that through collaboration and open communication, we can find practical ways to address these disruptions and improve the student experience. We propose a meeting during the first week of November to discuss these solutions in further detail and identify pathways forward. The SGA remains committed to working closely with your office and other stakeholders, and we are available for public or private discussions at your convenience.
Johns Hopkins University prides itself on excellence and care for its students, faculty, and staff. We look forward to working with you to address these concerns and ensure that students continue to thrive during this transitional time. Thank you for your commitment, and we look forward to finding solutions that benefit the student body.
With sincere hope for change, The Student Government Association Johns Hopkins University