SGA Hosts COVID-19 and Parking Coordinators: ‘Are Things Better?’

By Casey Niebuhr | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The student government convened on Tuesday to discuss the student body’s COVID-19 and parking concerns. SGA invited Flagler College COVID-19 Coordinator Kris Roberts and Parking Coordinator Bill Karback to answer students’ questions and maintain transparency.

“Are things better?” asked Roberts. “We have classes that are full, we’ve got residence halls that are full, the dining hall’s open, pool is open, volleyball court is open—everything is open—except we have to wear masks, so I think that’s a good thing.”

Roberts explained that the college is functioning at full capacity, meaning that social-distancing practices in the classroom and residence halls have ceased.

“Get to know your classmates,” Roberts continued. “Because you’re sitting next to them for more than 15 minutes and less than 6 feet apart.

“The state of Florida is…preventing [the college] from requiring the COVID vaccine.”

As for other requirements, mask mandates on campus are expected to be suspended on September 10th.

“Because [the student body] did such a great job last year…of keeping our COVID numbers down…we decided to go back to normal operations at the school.”

Roberts plans to have Pfizer booster shots available to students as early as December, given that the college hosted a previous Pfizer vaccine clinic on campus in April.

Roberts encourages all students to contact her regarding any inquiries or concerns at KRoberts@flagler.edu.

Following a COVID-19 Q&A, Karback took to the podium.

“This year is a little different,” began Karback. “We’re back to normal, [the college] has a higher freshman class and there’s confusion about where to park.”

“We’ve issued [citations] as an educational tool on where people can go.”

Students shared concerns on the price of parking permits, which has steadily increased an average of $10 per academic year since 2018.

“People complain about the $230,” acknowledged Karback. “A lot of the lots that we have we actually lease from private organizations, so the money goes towards the rental fees, towards maintenance…It’s not going in the college’s pocket by any means.”

Any parking inquiries can be sent to WKarback@flagler.edu.

SGA concluded their general assembly meeting by highlighting their upcoming Suicide Awareness Month event, scheduled for Thursday, September 23rd at 7 p.m. in the Student Center.

SGA hosts general assemblies every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Student Center.