LBCC’s recent on-campus projects, including the construction of a new performing arts center and the remodeling of the E Building, reflect a clear investment in improving the educational experience for in person students, but not so much for online students.
Although these updates are necessary for the advancement of the school, crucial online resources for current and future students are being neglected.
LBCC needs to prioritize funding to modernize its online resources, just as it has with its classrooms and buildings.
LBCC’s website remains severely outdated and difficult to navigate. A search for ‘class schedule’ presents a page from May 2017 as the second most relevant source.
Resources to make counseling appointments are unnecessarily difficult to use. Making these appointments online should be easier than doing it over the phone or by email, not harder.
Many students rely on taking classes online, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
They are often presented as classes students can take to get an easy A, rather than being challenging and advantageous to their education.
With LBCC recently achieving large college status, the school will be receiving an extra $2 million annually.
This money will be used for “additional student services and academic programs”, according to the school’s website.
The Board of Trustees should consider using these funds to invest in an improved website and online courses.
LBCC’s website can get the updates it desperately needs, including sorting and archiving articles, making applications more user friendly, and ensuring information is up to date.
Online classes can receive more advanced materials and engaging curriculums that can make these courses worthy of students’ time and money.
These improvements will benefit current and future students in the long run just as much as new or remodeled buildings.
LBCC has definitely shown its commitment to bettering its campuses for the next generations of students.
The school needs to start showing that same dedication to its online resources.