The Student Government Association (SGA) hosted guest speaker President Chris Brussalis on Monday, March 17 to answer questions from members of SGA.
The main topic of discussion revolved around how Brussalis felt Point Park University was standing regarding Pioneer Vison 2030. Brussalis said things are looking good.
When Brussalis began working at Point Park, the university, much like other schools, were on a downward trajectory, he said. The university was losing enrollment, an unsustainable state since Point Park is a tuition-driven school.
“I started too late to impact enrollment for fall of 24,” Brussalis said. “The only lever I had starting so late was in athletics, and we made some changes.”
The athletics allowed the university to get ahead after a six-year decline. Deposits for incoming students are currently up 40% in comparison to last year. Overall, there is a change in the perception of education, which created a big focus on workforce development, Brussalis said.
“There’s nowhere better to be than in a Downtown university, particularly Point Park. Experiential learning is in our DNA,” Brussalis said.
The universities’ vision is to become the most dynamic urban university in America, he said.
“I think we’re on our way, and the exciting thing is you’re all a part of this,” Brussalis said. “You know it’s you, our students, faculty and staff that are doing this, not me.”
Brussalis said that COPA Students should keep an eye out for more opportunities. Recently, Point Park has divided COPA students into two different schools and added a new hip-hop dance concentration, but that’s not the end of the changes.
“I want our students — if they have a dream — I want to give them everything we possibly can to give them; every chance possible to achieve their dreams,” Brussalis said.
Another topic of discussion was if the university will be undergoing changes in the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies due to President Trump’s executive orders.
“I see no changes,” Brussalis said. “We are probably one of the most diverse colleges and universities in the country. It’s a differentiator for us. We’re all about inclusivity, so I don’t see any changes on the horizon.”
Additionally, a senator asked if Point Park has a policy when it comes to ICE or other law enforcement agencies in place to protect students.
“We’ve actually had a long-standing policy on this campus. We’re a private institution, and we will always cooperate with law enforcement,” Brussalis said. “But law enforcement has not and cannot come into our facilities without a search warrant.”
The policy is long-standing and has worked thus far, he said. Also, outside law enforcement must contact Point Park campus police. The plan is to continue to maintain the university’s policy, Brussalis said.
Also, prior to Brussalis’ arrival, SGA discussed a new coffee provider to replace Starbucks at Point Perk with Dean of Student Affairs Keith Paylo. There is going to be taste-testing from different coffee shops that students are encouraged to participate and do answer a survey on, Paylo said.
In addition, Point Perk will be undergoing other changes such as a new name, new menu items, a selfie wall and more, Paylo said.
“We want to get away from that coffee house more to a cafe,” Paylo said.
The next SGA meeting will be held at 3:15p.m. on March 24 in the basement of the Student Center.
