Students at LBCC face an array of issues that impact their learning such as parking fines, economic insecurity and scarce resources for those with disabilities.
At the end of each semester, Professor Jen Nellis has students in her English 1 class complete a final project where they work in groups to consider their idea of a utopia college and formulate solutions to the issues they would like to see fixed on campus.
“I used to have them present to each other,” Nellis said. “I realized they were speaking to the wrong audience. So this year, I’ve invited board members and people who can make these changes happen.”
On Thursday, Nellis hosted an open house of sorts where the four groups presenting were given the opportunity to state their issue and provide solutions.
The first group brought up the parking situation on campus.
“We actually had someone who had to drop out because of parking tickets,” a member of the group, Xavier Diaz said. “They got a parking ticket and couldn’t afford it. The fees added up and eventually, they could no longer drive their car so they stopped coming to school.”
Diaz and his group suggest a tally system where those who violate parking laws are given a strike or tally.
Once they reach a certain number of strikes, they would then receive a ticket.
The second group brought up a solution to combat the economic insecurity that some students face.
“This is the Viking Marketplace,” said group member Kyshia Hearns while motioning to an iPad with a Facebook page on display. “Here, students can post items to buy, sell, trade, or give away.”
All transactions are handled on campus to ensure safety and limits are placed on pricing so that items do not get upsold.
Ideally, the group hopes that more students will join the Facebook page, which is already active, and utilize the trading aspect.
“We want to promote the bartering system,” Hearns said.
The third group presented a case for updating the health and wellness resources available to LGBTQ students.
“I had questions about my gender identity and wanted help,” student Jennifer Trinidad said. “They just handed me a couple of outdated pamphlets and that was it.”
Trinidad’s group also highlighted the fact that most of the resources available about sexual education are for heteronormative people.
In addition to updated sex education, Trinidad’s group hopes to see a health center that can also answer questions about gender reaffirmation and identity.
The final group that presented tackled the issues students with disabilities face while on campus.
“I have autism,” student Emily Garcia said. “So I need a note taker (while in class) which the DSPS center is supposed to help with, but they never seem to have anyone available.”
Garcia’s group also suggested that the center should focus on empathy when training those who work there.
“Not all disabilities are visible,” Garcia said. “I may not look like I need help but I do.”
An employee of the student life center Taila Robinson visited with each group to hear their pitches. Robinson responded to the group explaining DSPS concerns.
“It’s true. Why have the accommodations if you don’t have the resources,” Robinson said.
In envisioning their ideal college experience, Nellis’s students see an inclusive and supportive campus.
