On Feb. 24, 2026, the Andrews University Student Association (AUSA) held a town hall meeting in Garber Auditorium in Chan Shun Hall with University administrators and student leaders to address student concerns related to immigration rumors, food pricing, winter weather decisions, academic restructuring, housing renovations and campus culture.
The first matter that was addressed in a section of pre-submitted questions moderated by Sen. Nora Jean-Francois was about concerns stemming from a Feb. 4 town hall about rumoured Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, where administrators confirmed that a summary document was distributed to students via email. “We worked hard, and we just got it out into your mailboxes,” said vice president for Campus & Student Life, Frances Faehner. University General Counsel Sharon Stone previously provided legal clarification regarding students’ rights. “You now have guidelines, as well as an additional document that Dr .[Stacey] Nicely prepared from our counseling and testing center,” Faehner said, before adding, “ICE anxiety is a real thing.”
Next, there were questions about a fall 2025 town hall that regarded tuition and meal plan increases. Glenn Meekma Jr., vice president for financial administration, stated that concerns were brought to the university’s Finance Committee and reviewed in collaboration with Dining Services. He also emphasized that Andrews' meal plan pricing is calculated based on projected meal usage and is benchmarked against other comparable institutions. Leadership also noted that the dining program, which is managed by Bon Appétit, has the lowest-priced options among its clients' institutions.
“When we ask [Bon Appétit] specifically… Where does our mean plan price rate? They said it’s one of the lowest ones,” he stated. “A lower meal plan probably isn’t going to happen because of the arithmetic we use to get to where we’re at.”
Meekma Jr. also noted that Gazebo pricing was compared to local convenience stores, and administrators acknowledged inflation while maintaining that pricing falls within regional norms.
Next, questions were brought up about snow days and e-learning decisions. Because Assistant Vice President for Campus Safety Chief Ben Panigot was unable to attend, his written statement was read during the session. “Safety and Facilities monitors forecasted and actual snowfall and ice accumulation rates,” Panigot wrote. He also explained that decisions also consider wind chill thresholds based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidelines, adding that during the January cold snap, “none were forecasted to present health risks.” Panigot acknowledged forecasting challenges tied to lake effect snow. “Lake effect is less predictable,” he stated. “If the forecast had been more accurate… we’d have likely gone to an e-learning process.” He concluded by noting, “We continue to learn from these experiences and challenges, reviewing our policies and procedures.”
University President John Wesley Taylor V addressed concerns regarding departmental consolidation. “We continually monitor our important metrics as a university in relation to other institutions,” Taylor said. Benchmarking showed Andrews had 35 departments, compared to a typical range of 19-27 for similar institutions. “We were clearly outside of the typical range,” Taylor explained. He emphasized that the restructuring affects administrative organization rather than academic offerings.
“It doesn’t have anything to do with the programs that we offer,” Taylor said. “Additional administrative structure has a price, and that price ultimately has to be passed on in terms of tuition.”
Lastly, Taylor added, acknowledging that transitions can be difficult, “Change sometimes isn’t the most comfortable thing, but the goal is an important goal.”
Finally, the vice president for University Advancement, Donald Bedney, discussed fundraising and infrastructure challenges. “A couple of years ago, we initiated a facility study for the university,” Bedney said, noting that improved housing emerged as a priority. Recent fundraising campaigns raised approximately $400,000 for scholarships. Faehner also provided updates on Lamson Hall renovations.
“These are 146 suite rooms on the west side… 63 of them have received the complete renovation,” she said.
The administration acknowledged ongoing challenges with aging facilities. A recent water heater failure in Meier Hall required temporary fixes. “The first Band-Aid failed. The second Band-Aid failed. Third Band-Aid is holding,” Meekma explained, illustrating the urgency of infrastructure investment.
The final portion of the session shifted to live student concerns submitted in real time. Moderated by student senator Alan Pelletier, the discussion moved into a rapid-fire exchange as administrators worked through a range of issues within the remaining time. Students were encouraged to continue submitting questions via QR code, and panelists were asked to keep responses concise due to the time constraints.
One of the first live questions focused on the growing popularity of anonymous social media platforms and accounts such as Fizz and concerns about harmful or inappropriate language being used on campus. Faehner expressed concern about the impact of anonymous online behavior.
“I am deeply, deeply concerned about what’s probably a very few handful of students,” she said. “We want to build a community that shares words of hope and courage and builds each other up. When you’re aware of a violation of that, we care deeply and will do what we can to put an end to it.”
She emphasized the university’s desire to foster a respectful campus environment. “We want to build a community that shares words of hope and courage and builds each other up,” Father added. She also encouraged students to report inappropriate behavior through official channels and noted that the university has asked IT professionals to explore whether anonymous users can be identified when policies are violated.
Students also raised concerns about mold, water damage, pests and ventilation issues in Lamson and Meier Halls. While Faehner said that she wasn’t aware of any unresolved mold cases, she also added that reports are professionally tested and addressed promptly.
There were also questions about cafeteria worker treatment, and whether complaints were directed to proper reporting channels, with administrators stating they are “taking things seriously.” Concerns about adding elevators to older buildings were met with cost explanations. “It starts at about a million dollars and goes up from there,” the financial administrator said. Officials also agreed to review requests for additional vending machines in the Campus Center and Recreation Center.
Addressing future expansion, President Taylor said that the university is proceeding cautiously. “We want to be sure that we are using our existing buildings well,” Taylor said, emphasizing that new construction must be financially sustainable.
The town hall reflected a campus community eager for transparency and practical solutions. While administrators emphasized financial realities and existing protocols, students continued to press for accountability, accessibility and improved living conditions. University leaders said that remaining questions would be reviewed and that follow-up communication would be shared.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.