Students will have the ability to ask questions and give feedback to President Bill Perry at the second “Pizza with the Prez” gathering.

“Pizza with the Prez” will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Taylor Hall lobby.

Kathryn English, the student vice president for academic affairs and the event organizer, said diversity on campus will probably be discussed.

Perry said he is prepared to talk about whatever students ask, including questions about the diversity on campus and in the Charleston community.

He said he was proud of the programs Eastern has in place regarding civility and diversity.

“I think we have raised our game so far this fall,” Perry said.

He said he would be ready to help or talk about some of the programs.

“I think the president of the university must always be prepared,” Perry said. “I don’t do any special review of things because I am keeping up in real time. I am aware of different kinds of statistics and current events on campus as well as off campus.”

Even though all students are allowed to attend, English said they have been trying to focus on getting information out to transfer students as well as students within Taylor.

Katherine Denton, a junior English major, said she might ask about his reaction to the diversity issue and plans he might have.

“I might ask him how people have reacted and about how he is feeling about it and about his plans he might have that we could implement,” Denton said.

Selena Wilson, a freshman pre-business major, said she is interested in the safety policies enacted in reaction towards the Barn Party incident.

She said she is interested in more detail about the policies from him.

Taylor Buliox, a sophomore kinesiology and sports studies major, said she was more interested in seeing what is being done to generate more activities across campus.

“Stuff happens on the weekend, but what about Monday through Thursday?” Buliox said.

Denton said she is curious to see how he presents himself in a personal setting.

“I just want to see how easy that conversation is going to be,” Denton said.

Katelyn Hartke, a junior English major, said she thinks it is a good idea because it allows him to talk directly to the students and not talk to just Student Senate.

English said it is good to change up location of the lobby and it insures a smooth gathering despite weather changes.

“We are making it more specific,” English said. “We have it so transfer students know about it and make sure transfer students feel comfortable, so we are specific with them, but we are also specific with Taylor Hall,” English said.

Perry said “Pizza with the Prez” gives students another avenue to ask about their concerns other than going through the senate.

“It gives students an organized way to have a voice,” Perry said.

Jarad Jarmon can be reached at 581-2812 or jsjarmon@eiu.edu.