Student Union closure | Photo by Christian Peters | The Wright State Guardian
On Tuesday, Aug. 24, Wright State University (WSU) students awoke to a message about an electrical fire and power outage that completely shut down the Student Union (SU). The building will remain closed through the week of Aug. 30.
What This Means for Student Organizations
Many student organizations operate within the SU and have needed to either shut down or move to a virtual format again after a year of running virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Debbie Lamp, Associate Director for Student Involvement and Leadership (SIL), the office is currently running remotely. Any student organizations that have offices in the Student Union are affected by this power outage.
According to Lamp, the office is operating with the same services used when the university shut down due to the pandemic. WebEx is the main medium for communication.
“We are hoping for the best and planning for the worst,” Lamp said.
Some organizations have had to cancel or reschedule events during this time. WWSU 106.9 FM, the on-campus, student-led radio station has had to go completely off-air due to not having access to the Student Union.
The general manager of WWSU 106.9 FM, Shea Neal, says that 106.9 will not be able to operate until they are back in the building safely and have access to their equipment.
“Wright State is doing what they can to keep students safe,” Neal said.
Neal is currently working with DJs to promote their work and share pre-recorded music.
Student Opinions
With the Student Union closed, students are having trouble accessing areas including the bookstore, dining areas, mental health services and banking services.
Class cancellations, trouble with getting textbooks, and not being able to socialize in the Student Union are among a few issues students ran into with the power outage.
Brooke Shade, a junior majoring in accounting, and Bailee Cloud, a junior majoring in finance, were both unable to have lunch with their friends in the Student Union and could not use the bookstore. Both students also had class cancellations.
Banking services were another part of the Student Union that students could not use. Mya Davis, a freshman majoring in computer science, was unable to use the credit union.
WSU’s Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) was also forced to close. All services are remote as of this time.
Donovyn Stevens, another freshman majoring in computer science, was unable to use the CWS.
“I was supposed to go get a tour of their new place in their area,” Stevens said.
It is uncertain when the Student Union will reopen at this time. According to university officials, the union will stay closed at least through the week of Aug. 30.
