Students express campus concerns
by Melissa Sanchez, reporter

    Students voiced concerns about the lack of any contingency plans as well as other issues relating to NW Campus at the Student Forum last week.

   Although students were angry over several problems dealing with campus facilities, administrators were unaware at the time that many of the problems already had been fixed.

   During the forum, designed for students to get to know administrators, faculty and each other, students are encouraged to suggest “things to better the campus and make for a positive educational experience,” presiding officer Lucinda Megott, vice-president of Scholarships for Phi Theta Kappa, said.

   Students were put into small groups and assigned an administrator. They were asked to discuss their concerns among themselves and then bring forth their largest concern to the forum as a whole.

   Administrators included Dr. Michael Saenz, NW Campus president.
Students voiced a strong need for lighting in the campus’ parking lots as well as the walkways. The lights that are already there are not always on, and one group felt that students might feel unsafe. The group also mentioned that the same issue has been brought up before at previous forums, and no improvements have been made.

   Saenz said the lights that already exist would be repaired, but that new lights are very expensive. He said he wants students to feel safe on campus.

   “NW Campus is the safest campus with no muggings and no rapes reported,” he said.

   Students also strongly voiced a need for contingency plans to be addressed in the classrooms. One group mentioned that there have been prior incidents when students were confused about where to go and what to do during emergency situations. One group suggested that emergency information should be posted at each classroom door to guide students during an emergency.

   “It’s hard to inform every single student about contingency plans,” Saenz said.

   Saenz said he has proposed the issue to the district.

   “We are re-looking the issue,” he said.

   Alex Riefenstahl, an environmental science major, wants an immediate solution.

   “I feel it will take something severe before they take action about any contingency plans,” he said.

   Campus vending machines were another concern. Students believe that some areas need vending machines more than others do, they are expensive and many do not work. Students also said this situation has been addressed at previous forums.

   Roberto Rueda, manager of the student bookstore, said, “NW Campus is looking into the possibility of more machines and trying to decide if it is worthwhile.”

   A group reported to the forum that the science lab rooms are being neglected. Leaking pipes, outdated equipment and natural gas leakage were some of the major concerns.

   Saenz agreed the problem needs to be addressed immediately. Dr. Lois Wells, dean of instruction, volunteered to address the issue with Dr. Gloria Mills, division chair.

   Saenz praised the concept of student forums.

   “Overall, the forum is always very productive, and if nothing else, it gives the students a chance to ask about anything and everything,” he said.

   Some students did not agree.

   Kim Enguien, a pre-med student, said, “I really feel like they are giving us the run-around. They never gave us a direct answer.”

   “This is my second forum, and I saw all the same suggestions and concerns,” Billy Baker, aviation major, said. “I think the president seemed very defensive, and he wasn’t taking our suggestions seriously.”