Students voice concerns at SFCC president's forum

Wireless Internet, recycling, parking and student orientation were among the issues South Florida Community College students presented to President Norm Stephens at Wednesday's Forum with the President, sponsored by the Student Government Association.

A student nearing gradation noted that she wished she knew then (when she started at SFCC) what she knows now about the college.

Stephens said he and his staff have been looking into ways to improve the first-year experience for students. Students need information about financial aid and the right courses to take for their educational goals.

Currently, the college has a voluntary orientation for new students, but staff and students have talked about having a mandatory orientation, he said.

After the forum, Stephens said student orientation needs to be improved. Technology can help improve the first-year experience.

Finding a parking space was an issue for some students who said that it was mainly a problem during Tuesday's Matinee Series.

Stephens responded that about 150 parking spaces are unavailable due to the auditorium renovation project. But after next Tuesday, when the renovation is completed, those spaces will be available.

Also, with the performances being held temporarily in the Panther Gymnasium, those attending the events are parking in areas that are closer to the gym where students usually park, he said

"It's a problem," Stephens said. "I came back from lunch and somebody from Michigan was in my space."

He noted that the college serves all people of the community and its mission statement includes a reference to "cultural enrichment."

Stephens said many patrons of the arts programs also make contributions to the college, which in turn help the students.

A student raised a concern about the capacity of the wireless Internet network at the college.

Stephens said bandwidth is the primary issue. Community colleges in the state are working together on a grant that will increase bandwidth, but it will take about a year.

He noted that about one and a half years ago the data rate improved from 15 to 45 megabits per second.

The college has more users and the primary concern is to make sure that faculty has what it needs in wireless capacity and bandwidth in the classroom, Stephens said.

SGA public relations representative Libnia Sanchez asked about the college "going green" with glass and plastic recycling bins.

Stephens replied, "I'm with you. I would like to recycle everything we possible could."

He noted that urban areas, which create a larger volume used paper, plastic and glass are more likely to have companies that handle and use recycled materials.

Stephens said he would check with the college's facilities department on working with the student to set up recycling bins.

During the course of the 90-minute question and answer session, Stephens frequently referred to "Luminous" as a way to improve communication and disseminate information about the college.

SGA Vice President Richard Stone said Luminous could probably fix half the problems students brought up during the session.

Luminous is the platform for a new intranet the college is planning on rolling out in May.

Named "Panther Central," it will be a single sign-on portal for students and faculty who can tailor a home page for their needs.