Students ask for more relaxation areas on campus
by Betsy Page, reporter

    Students need more areas to relax and be students, according to a student forum held last week on SE Campus.

    The forum allowed students the opportunity to meet with Dr. Judith Carrier, campus president, to voice their concerns and find answers to their questions.

    Administrative representatives from several departments were available to assist students.

    Students stressed the need for meeting spaces outside in non-smoking areas. Rusty Fox, dean of student development and educational services, discussed upcoming plans to add picnic tables on the backside of the campus and expand the bistro area by taking out a wall and adding more furniture.

    Students also cited concerns regarding the need for earlier computer lab hours and extended bookstore hours. The administrators expressed their eagerness to accommodate student needs and said the feasibility of longer hours would be investigated.

    Another issue presented at the forum was the need for additional computer terminals in the library. Students were informed that a TIF grant will enable the purchase of wireless laptop computers for check-out in the library, perhaps as early as the spring semester.
School spirit was another issue of concern for students. Pert Durapau, director of student services and coordinator of student activities, said that students should share with the community the value of an education received at TCC.

    “Students are our best marketing tool,” she said.

    The forum concluded with a demonstration of the state-of-the-art presentation facilities available for student use in SEC 200. The equipment includes an LCD projector, DVD player, automated window coverings, lighting system and sound system.

    Carrier encouraged students to book the room to use for student organization meetings or class presentations.

    “This is your room,” she said.