Input sessions give Winthrop chance to express opinion

By Connor De Bruler 

A dance club and an art house cinema near campus were on student’s list of suggestions for College Town Action Plan (CTAP) representatives on Tuesday. Eight students attended the public outreach session during the common meeting time in Dinkins Auditorium. 

Sydney Evans, the president of the Council of Student Leaders, Rebecca Masters, the assistant to the president for public affairs, and other CTAP representatives also attended. Bill Meyer,the planning and development director for the city of Rock Hill, apologized that no specific questions would be answered during the session. Students were asked only to give input on what they would like to see change around the Rock Hill area. 

Cale Medley, a senior entrepreneurship major, said the area between McDonalds and Sub Station II could be cleaned up and put to good use. “There should also be more trees in that area behind the campus,” he said. “We need it  to look more like Oakland.” 

Barbara Hooley, an art education graduate student, said Rock Hill needs more galleries for Winthrop students to showcase their work. “We also need a better public relations system to notify students of events that not only taking place on campus but also in the community,” she said. “Students, like myself, miss a good many activities because we simply didn’t hear about them.” Another student suggested re-opening the University Fire Grill as a coffee shop or retail location. 

After the meeting, Evans said she thought the session was insightful and productive, but wanted more students to attend and participate. Masters also lamented the sparse turnout of students. There is another opportunity for students to meet with CTAP representatives from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on March 11 in Dinkins Auditorium. Faculty, staff and retirees can meet with the group from 2 to 3 p.m. on March 5 and 12 in Dinkins Auditorium.