Campus briefs

Engh chat turns serious

Students were invited to sit and chat with University President Michael Engh, S.J., over lunch Wednesday. Yet, it did not take long for the lunch to turn into a serious discussion over issues concerning the university campus.

Engh was invited by Associated Students to have lunch in Market Square with any students who were interested.

"Whoever shows up, shows up," Engh said of the lunch.

Several students, sitting at two pushed-together tables in the dining hall, asked Engh to discuss issues such as controlling student alcohol usage, student sportsmanship, improvements to campus and residential learning communities. During the hour-long lunch, half an hour was devoted to discussing a potential medical amnesty plan. Four students voiced their supportive opinions of the program.

Additionally, Associated Students President Sean Brachvogel was in attendance at the lunch. Brachvogel has long been a big proponent for medical amnesty, making it a large part of his platform in his campaign last year. Vice President Katherin Quinn-Shea also attended.

Other debate during the lunch centered around the RLC program. In particular sophomore Courtney Seymour voiced her concerns over diversity in Unity, where she believes students divide themselves based upon ethnicity.

"I think it is self-segregating and makes other students uncomfortable to live there," she said.

Engh encouraged Seymour to present the issue to officials in the RLC and to representatives from Associated Students.

Engh said he was impressed with the issues students raised during the lunch. "I think it's great when students engage in serious topics," he said. "That's what student leaders should be doing."

The university president says he would like to have lunch with students again.

From staff reports. Email news@thesantaclara.com.