By Rylie Parkins/ne news editor
From vending machines with unhealthy snacks to student-teacher conflicts, students discussed their concerns during the Ask the President Luncheon March 11 on NE Campus.
Dr. Larry Darlage, NE Campus President, read aloud some questions that were submitted to him prior to the luncheon.
The wide variety of questions encompassed everything from TCC’s construction process to paper towel dispensers in women’s restrooms.
Some of the questions regarded the vending machines. Many students said the campuses were not offering enough healthy foods.
Darlage assured students he would contact the business director who would contact the vendors so healthier foods like granola bars and baked chips would be available to students.
Another concern mentioned at the luncheon was the lack of lounging areas in the buildings.
The administrators said they are planning to include more seating areas as well as water features near the big chessboard. They also tossed around the idea of creating a student lounge in the NTAB foyer.
The Business Building is the next building to be renovated on NE Campus, so architects are planning on including a seating area.
In the meantime, the library is a good place to lounge or study, Darlage said. Furniture as well as concession machines, like coffee machines, have been added in the library.
After the seating area questions were addressed, many questions regarding math tutoring were asked. A number of students said they were shocked when they noticed that hours had been cut in the math tutoring center.
Darlage explained that between budget cuts and tutors finding other jobs, math lab hours have been cut. Because the lab has been short-handed, faculty members have been helping students.
Even though there is a shortage of tutors in the lab itself, Darlage assured students that there are still a slew of tutors available at students’ disposal through a tutoring program available in the counseling center. Counselors will help pair students with free and reliable tutors. The college is also looking into an online tutoring program called Smart Thinking.
Another issue that seemed to concern many people was the mention of conflict between a professor and the students in the class.
“How would a student handle conflict with a professor?” one student asked.
Darlage suggested talking first with the professor and said that 90 percent of the time, that will solve the problem. If the issue is not resolved after speaking with the professor, he encouraged students to contact the department chair or the dean. If the issue involves a distance learning professor, Darlage said students could contact Dr. Jane Harper, campus vice president of instruction.
Vlora Bojku, NE Campus student and vice president of scholarships for Phi Theta Kappa, said Darlage was honest and positive.
“He was open about answering questions,” she said. “You could ask him anything.”
One student, Traci Adame, NE Campus student, found this information particularly helpful.
“Dr. Darlage addressed my concerns. I was having issues with an online instructor,” she said. “I was told how I could fix my problem or how it could be fixed for students in the future.”
Planners deemed the luncheon successful as students left satisfied with the responses Darlage gave regarding all of their concerns.
“It’s great that the president takes time to meet with students regarding campus issues,” Bojku said. “It shows his involvement with the campus and students and his dedication to them.”
