posted on 10:00 AM, January 22, 2010
The Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) Board has unanimously passed a motion of continued support for the Nightline at SFU in response to Simon Fraser University’s decision to stop funding the service. Nightline, a student-focused after-hours information, referral and crisis phone line, has served students and the SFU community for 23 years. The SFSS has provided financial support since Nightline was created in 1987, and has increased funding over the years to help maintain the service.
“Students use Nightline when they are in need, and SFU’s planned shutdown for this program is a huge loss to students,” said Ada Nadison, SFSS President. “Students call Nightline in times of crisis, in times of uncertainty, and in times of undue stress. Losing this service would be detrimental to the students of SFU.”
“The SFSS is committed to working with the SFU administration to save Nightline from being cut and to ensure its future operation,” stated Nadison.
The SFSS Board of Directors passed the motion of support at their meeting of January 20th 2010. Nightline volunteer Alex Hayer spoke at the meeting and emphasized the value of the service to the SFU community. He also questioned the timing for the decision to cancel the service, given that SFU has aggressively promoted the Nightline service over the last 12 months through a print advertising campaign and call volume has significantly increased as a result.
The SFSS is seeking letters of support for Nightline to reinforce their message to University administrators about the importance of the service. “The support from the SFU community for Nightline has been outstanding,” said Jonathan Brockman, SFSS At-Large Representative and former Nightline volunteer. “It is only with the backing of students that we will be able to continue this essential service.”
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For more information contact:
Ada Nadison, President
Simon Fraser Student Society
Office: 778-782-6861
E-mail: pres@sfss.ca