After hearing cries from juniors and seniors about lack of community in Lovernich, SGA has taken up an initiative to provide a common space for students in the apartments. “Even though so many students don’t live on campus, it’s an issue we keep hearing. I ran on [this platform] last year, so it’s really important to me,” SGA President Mimi Rothfus said.
The SGA housing committee, composed of Rothfus and five senate members, will seek to improve housing and community at Pepperdine through collaboration with Housing and Residence Life.
“No matter how small or large that change may be as long as we have some positive change, that’s our goal,” said committee member and Sophomore Class President Jonathan King.
In their first meeting of the year, SGA approved a resolution to give HRL $3,000 toward the improvement of Lovernich. This allocation from the general fund is conditional on HRL’s implementation of plans in Lovernich. This money is to be added to the courtyard budget. Ideas for changes to the courtyard area have included fire pits, patio furniture and even a hot tub, though no concrete plans have been laid yet by HRL to utilize the funding.
King acknowledged that this amount of money, though small relative to HRL’s overall budget, is a significant gesture of support from SGA.
“It’s not the monetary value of it; it’s the word and the thought behind it. We’re giving this to [HRL] as our signature and blessing,” he said.
The housing committee sees these small courtyard changes as the preliminary step before a more extensive development of a common area. Rothfus has envisioned the relocation of Special Programs to free up building space for a common area and possibly the construction of a small convenience store.
Hundreds of students signed a petition circulated by Rothfus last year indicating that they wanted a common area in Lovernich. “What’s clear now is that students really want a common area,” she said.
Through conversations with Associate Dean of HRL Brian Dawson, committee members have explored creative options to improve living outside of Lovernich as well. “Dean Dawson has brought up themed housing [in certain dorms] to us, everything from arts to outdoors,” Rothfus said.
King hopes to capitalize on the momentum of the committee and create events to boost community for sophomores in Towers. King recognized the difficulty of settling into the “Malibu program” sophomore community. “A lot of people don’t even know who’s here and who’s not.”
He plans to initiate a kickoff party for the new kitchen in Towers, which is due to be completed in November, as well as game nights and movie nights.
