Student Council unanimously approved a bill at its representative body meeting Tuesday night recommending that the University administration amend a proposal that restricts student performance groups’ use of academic spaces as practice locations.
Earlier this semester, the Provost’s Office implemented the restrictions to limit the amount of noise and distractions by performance groups in areas where students would likely be in class or studying. Recently, however, six rooms in Maury Hall and Minor Hall were approved as acceptable rehearsal spaces.
Council members from the Nursing School, the Architecture School, the Education School and the College sponsored the resolution opposing the restrictions.
Vice President for Organizations Neil Branch, a fourth-year Batten student, was also a sponsor of the resolution.
“I think students affected by the recent policy change will appreciate the strong signal of support from Student Council on this issue,” Branch said in an email. “However, we have to realize it is an early step in an ongoing conversation with all parties involved.”
In the bill, Council stated it supports the University’s performing arts community, which, according to Council, has been severely restricted because of the regulations.
“The purpose of the bill is the Council’s formal recognition to change regarding the request for student practicing rooms,” said Representative Body Chair Michael Promisel. “We want the students to know we are taking action on this even though we don’t have it all figured out.”
Last week, Council held a meeting with University administration and students to discuss the issue.
“The recent decision to restrict use of academic space is opposed by nearly 2,000 votes on SpeakUpUVa, the web portal for student voices at the University of Virginia, within 10 days of original posting,” Council said in an amendment to the bill.
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