SE forums provide insight into student campus concerns

By Briana Russell and Huma Syed/reporters

Morning and evening sessions of the SE Campus student forum produced many questions, from the cost of textbooks to cafeteria offerings.

TCC faculty, staff and students gathered at the President’s Student Forums March 26 to discuss campus-related issues. Doug Peak, director of student development services, hosted the event, which was divided into a morning and evening session.

“Students think of things others may not,” he said of the forum’s purpose. “It is a great way for students to have a voice on campus.”

Some students wanted to know why the cost of books was so high. Administrators said the TCC Bookstore cannot control what the publishers charge, but it will match the price offered by any other store.

Among the most-discussed topics was increasing the number of options in the campus café. Students who attended the forum requested more healthful and even vegetarian options.

Executive chef Brent Hale was on hand to respond. He said though he has only been on campus for a short period of time, he has been working on a healthier menu for the cafeteria.

Vegetarian stromboli, vegetarian wraps and salad bars are among the foods that the café currently offers to satisfy those who don’t eat meat.

Hale also explained that none of the “hot items” are fried, but those items are also not as healthful. He is also working on offering a stir-fry station, or possibly a pasta station, at least once a month. 

Students also requested the café remain open later to accommodate those who take evening classes.

Hale said after the café undergoes its planned remodeling, officials might look into extending its hours.

Another student wanted to know why a student who has obtained a 4.0 in a dual credit course cannot take an online course. Rusty Fox, vice president of student development services, said online classes might not be in the best interest of dual credit students.

“Students who take dual credit courses are high school students and are not familiar with the distance learning system,” he said.

Another issue brought up by students concerned an intersection at the main entrance of the campus, which some students say is dangerous.

Students said plans should be made to put a traffic light at the intersection. Sgt. Ralph Jeffries, TCC police officer, said, “There are plans to change the way the intersection is, but they may not pull through until late summer.”

Jeffries said the school has had some difficulty with the city of Arlington trying to have a light placed at the intersection.

Josué Muñoz, divisional dean of humanities, was asked if courses offered online have to be solely the core ones.

“It depends on the demand for the course,” he said.

Muñoz said online classes are offered because of high demand or for greater accessibility of courses commonly offered on only one or two campuses. He also said instructors must go through training before they can teach online classes.

Because of time constraints, the sessions ended with some unanswered questions. Peak said answers to all the students’ questions would be posted in the Bistro, located next to the cafeteria.

Fox said these forums are designed to help students understand school policies and clear any concerns they might have.

“We have had these forums for 11 years now, ever since this campus opened,” he said.