Student Council opened its weekly meeting Tuesday with remarks from Kenyon Bonner, vice president and chief student affairs officer, who discussed the University’s response to the Nov. 3 false shooter report incident, the ongoing presidential search process and Student Affairs initiatives. Representatives also passed a resolution addressing safety and pathway accessibility during winter weather conditions.
Bonner, who is approaching his second anniversary at the University, began by reflecting on his own college experience as a first-generation student who struggled to find a sense of belonging at first. Bonner said that this shaped his commitment to supporting students. He emphasized the importance of student leadership and self-governance in shaping institutional decision-making, thanking Student Council members for their work in addressing student needs.
“As a former student leader, these are jobs of service, and that's really important to me. It's an opportunity for you to give back to this university,” Bonner said. “We always talk about this idea that we will leave this place better than we found it, and all of you are doing that day in and day out here at U.Va.”
Bonner addressed the University’s handling of the Nov. 3 swatting incident, during which false reports of an active shooter triggered emergency alerts and widespread confusion among students. He noted that more than 50 college campuses have experienced similar incidents since the fall semester began. He thanked Student Council for collecting student feedback following the event — over 140 survey responses — and explained that the University has already begun reviewing these concerns with Student Council’s Safety and Wellness Advisory Board.
Lily Dorathy, Student Council director of coalition engagement and fourth-year Batten and College student, emphasized the importance of relying on verified information during emergencies, citing issues with police scanner misinformation and unverified social media posts. Offering a reliable alternative, Dorathy highlighted the University’s updated safety website as a central hub for alerts and guidance during active emergencies.
Providing an additional resource for students to share issues they are having on Grounds, Dorathy discussed ongoing efforts to expand the “Hoos Concerned” website — an online forum where students can post and discuss University issues — by ensuring the platform is accessible and becomes a reliable space to communicate and address their concerns.
Bonner provided updates for Student Council representatives regarding administrative transitions, including the retirement of Gay Perez, assistant vice president of student affairs and executive director of Housing and Residence Life, this month. A preliminary pool of applicants to succeed Perez is currently under consideration.
Bonner also clarified his role on the presidential search committee. A subcommittee was formed to represent University students, including Gregory Perryman, student representative of the Board and fourth-year College student, and Bonner. Bonner stated that the student representative voices student viewpoints while he specifically represents Student Affairs and the interests of the University’s administration.
“There are student representatives on [the presidential search] committee … [that] speak on behalf of the student body,” Bonner said. “I am not your proxy. I am an advocate for students. This is my passion … You all have a voice, and those voices are the ones that have been represented in [these] discussions.”
Regarding the field-storming incident after Sept. 26 win against Florida State that resulted in several injuries, Bonner acknowledged concerns and praised students for preventing injuries and safety violations during the rivalry football game Saturday. According to Clay Dickerson, Student Council president and fourth-year College student, only one student was injured as a result of the field storm Saturday.
Dickerson further announced that eight University-sponsored buses — funded through a partnership involving Student Council, University Programs Council, Student Affairs and the athletics department — will transport students to Charlotte, N.C. Dec. 6 for the ACC Championship game against Duke University. Students will be able to sign up through a form once released.
Bonner concluded his presentation by outlining the additional priorities currently shaping Student Affairs, including plans to foster a stronger sense of belonging across Grounds, improve career readiness through applied learning experiences and strengthen student well-being resources. He emphasized the continued focus of Student Affairs on aligning academic experiences with students’ personal and professional development.
“You come [to college] hoping [for] a better understanding of who you are,” said Bonner. “Part of our process here is to help you have [experiences that] can better align who you are with something you believe is meaningful and purposeful.”
Bonner also announced that Lawn room applications for eligible undergraduates opened this week and are due Jan. 5, encouraging students to apply. Further information regarding the application process can be found on the Student Affairs website.
Addressing weather concerns highlighted during the spring semester, representatives voted unanimously to pass a resolution urging Facilities Management and the Chief Accessibility Officer to strengthen winter weather procedures. The legislation proposed consistent de-icing, more efficient snow removal and prioritization of accessible pathways near dorms, bus stops and academic buildings following reports of blocked or icy routes.
Student Council will reconvene Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for its final regularly scheduled general body meeting of the fall semester.
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