By Susan Tallant/editor-in-chief
From Campus Cruiser to campus security, students shared their thoughts at the President’s Forum last week on NE Campus.
Dr. Larry Darlage, NE Campus president, answered questions of concern by students.
The group consisted of representatives from an array of organizations and academic programs including arts, forensics, science, criminal justice, health, education, broadcast, Phi Theta Kappa and Women in New Roles.
One of the first issues addressed was building improvements.
“ Buildings on NE Campus are almost 40 years old,” he said.
Darlage said construction 40 years ago was different from today.
The president said NE Campus originated from a Japanese architect who envisioned fewer windows, dimmer lights and winding pathways.
“ The world was a safer place back then,” he said.
Brighter lights, call boxes in the parking lots and better signage are on the list of improvements for NE Campus.
Concerns of mold in the Business-Social Science Building were also addressed.
“ NBSS is the first one that will be renovated,” he said. “That building needs the most work right now.”
Darlage said TCC had experts conduct tests, but they found no mold on campus.
“ We don’t have a problem with mold, just more of a problem with age,” he said.
In about a year, the NBSS will be totally gutted and redesigned. He said asbestos was used freely when NE was built, so the building needs to be abated.
Students also want a wireless campus. Darlage said two buildings are currently wireless, the Library and Student Center, and TCC is looking into other common areas for technology improvements.
Another question on student’s minds involved the Concepts of Physical Activity class required for the Associate in Arts degree.
Darlage said the core curriculum at TCC has to dovetail with the universities and is negotiated with the Coordinating Board of Texas.
“ The good thing about the core curriculum is if you complete our core, you have completed the core at the state universities as well,” he said.
Other issues addressed were campus e-mails for communication, networking between the universities and funding for lab assistants.
Compliments were also given. Linda Franklin, a TCC student since 1972, said TCC is a multi-purpose, life-long institution that appeals to all ages.
“ Kids getting out of high school come here; people changing careers come here, and people seeking continuing education come here,” she said.
The college provides “continuing life learning,” she said.
Michelle Word also enjoyed the session and wishes more students would get involved and go to meetings like the forum.
“ I thought there were a good variety of questions asked,” she said.
Karen Raulerson, student development coordinator, said the forum was very informative.
“ The forum answered a lot of my questions,” she said. “I have a few things that I will take back to student activities.”
