SGA is calling on DePaul to preserve its library resources and to “halt any plans that would result in the closure of the Loop Library or in reductions to hours or staffing that would diminish equitable student access,” via a resolution passed on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The resolution comes as the effects of budget cuts continue to ripple across the university, most recently with the announcement that the DePaul Art Museum will close in June.
After gathering feedback at DePaul’s Library Review Board meetings, chair of academic affairs Taras Mytrofanyuk said he wanted to advocate for more transparency from the university in its decision-making process.
“You can judge a university’s commitment to education by how it values its libraries, and I will keep pushing to make sure ours are protected,” Mytrofanyuk told The DePaulia in an email. “Library funding is currently directed by the Provost’s Office, and as a result we have seen cuts made without enough consideration of how those decisions affect students and library staff.”
If the Loop Library were to close, Mytrofanyuk said he believes that decision “would have serious consequences, particularly for commuter students and those whose classes are primarily based downtown.”
DePaul has made no official statement on the Loop Library closing, but reporting from The DePaulia has shown the university has made significant cutbacks to the library’s resources and may close it eventually.“Conversations about restructuring should center student needs, transparency and long-term educational outcomes rather than short-term budget reductions,” Mytrofanyuk added.
Chair of campus affairs Peyton Deck presented the resolution and works in the access services department at the John T. Richardson Library.
“From my direct understanding — I don’t want to speak for other people’s experiences — but from what I’ve heard, I feel there’s a lot of uncertainty, and that the layoffs that occurred over winter break have put more strain on other library staff members,” Deck said.
SGA plans to distribute a survey while tabling at both library locations to collect students’ experiences with library resources and how they have helped them during their time at DePaul.
First “Student Advocacy Dialogue” session March 5
SGA is hosting its first “Student Advocacy Dialogue” session discussing constitutional rights when interacting with federal agents on Thursday, March 5, in Arts & Letters 209.
Diversity and equity committee chair Leen Hashlamoun said Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a local advocacy organization, will facilitate the event. SGA is hosting the session in collaboration with DePaul’s Undocumented Student Coalition, also known as “ALAS,” and the Department of Refugee & Forced Migration Studies.
“We’re just excited to have them, we’re excited to host them and have that dialogue with our students about how to advocate for themselves better and how to have better knowledge on their constitutional rights and what they should do in certain scenarios,” Hashlamoun said.
SGA has committed to holding these sessions once a quarter.
SGA recognizes four-year anniversary of Ukraine war
The war in Ukraine passed a grim milestone Feb. 24, marking four years since the start of the Russian invasion. Mytrofanyuk, the author of SGA’s resolution recognizing the anniversary of the war, was born in Ukraine and has family in the country. He said the war is something that many Ukrainians at DePaul “carry with them every day.”
“I support recognizing this anniversary and affirming solidarity with the Ukrainian people because standing with those affected by war reflects the values we claim to uphold, including compassion, human dignity and moral clarity in the face of suffering,” he said.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates there have been nearly two million casualties in the conflict.
“Some are checking on family members living under air raid alerts, worrying about loved ones serving on the front lines or coping with the emotional weight of watching their country endure continued destruction,” he said. “The humanitarian toll is not theoretical, it is very personal.”
Upcoming events
SGA is hosting a “Fuel up for Finals” event on Monday, March 9, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Student Center.
“Students can feel free to come by and grab snacks and to learn about the Basic Needs Hub and what the Basic Needs Hub offers to students as a campus resource,” Deck said. “I couldn’t be more excited to be once again working with the Basic Needs Hub on this, their team is awesome.”
Next quarter, SGA plans to host a Women’s History Month-themed movie night with the Women’s Center, and the marketing committee is planning a clothing swap event in celebration of Earth Month in April.
