SE forum discusses crowds
by Brian Shults, se news editor

    Disruption caused by overcrowding in the halls became the main focus during recent SE Campus student forums.

   “Because of the lack of rooms during the day and the spacing of the classes, we have a problem,” Dr. Judith Carrier, SE Campus president, said.

   Several students and faculty have voiced concerns because of the noise pollution and the number of students gathering in the Subcommons in between class times.

   The Subcommons are situated at a junction of two hallways, a staircase and two major entry points into the one-building campus. Each junction is a direct connection to separate portions of the east wing of the building, which is designated solely for classrooms.

   When SE Campus opened in 1996, the goal was to one day have 5,500 students enrolled. This semester 8,500 students are enrolled, causing each classroom to be used for teaching and the passageways to be crowed between classes, Carrier said.

   The Bistro cafe is the only designated student-gathering place. It is located near the center of the building, two wings removed from the east wing.

   “The reason so many people congregate in the Subcommons is we don’t want to walk all the way to the Bistro when we only have a couple minutes between class,” Mike Jones, student, said.

   Carrier expressed understanding, but countered explaining the school’s primary concern.

   “It’s natural and expected at a college for students to gather and laugh and talk. We want you to, but we’re worried about an altercation,” she said.

   The Subcommons, at times, can become so crowded that students and faculty bump into one another in an attempt to get through. The level of noise, which inhibits communication, could be misconstrued and has the potential to spark an altercation, Carrier said.

   In addition to the noise and lack of room, the staff in the business services office has complained about the disruption it causes.

   Complicating the issue further is the feeling of some that the issue may have racial overtones.

   “Some of us in Black Legacy feel like blacks are being unfairly targeted,” Candace Shingles, student and member of the student group Black Legacy, said.

   Shingles made the comment because those who gather in the Subcommons, and are allegedly credited with making the noise, are predominately black.

   Carrier responded by offering assurance that the campus administration and faculty do not concur with such opinions.

   “It is a campus problem,” she said.

   Students at the forums expressed the need for a student union of some type. The Bistro offers only seating and a TV. Prior to the campus forums, Rusty Fox, the dean of student development and educational services, held a luncheon for several student leaders to discuss possible remedies to the problem, short of enlarging that portion of the building.

   Proposed solutions to draw students away from that area received positive feedback, Fox said. Suggestions include having board games, cards and dominoes available for checkout at the information desk and sectioning the South Ballroom for student activities the majority of the time.

   Other issues discussed at the forums include lack of parking, traffic, the rising price of textbooks and the speed that developmental courses are taught.

   Traffic around the campus has grown exponentially recently, and confusion regarding the traffic rules around the campus has caused problems for drivers, Kristine Ferguson, student, said.

   The plans for an additional academic wing, to combat the school’s overcrowding have priority over additional parking. Makeshift parking accommodations will be put in place following the addition of a new academic wing, which is planned to open in four years, Carrier said.

   Students who expressed frustration about the high price of books received a little advice.

   Curtis Davis of the SE Bookstore suggested students shop early for used books and sell their books back during finals (book buy-back week) to get the most money.