Kinslow talks with Round Rock students

One student comment among many to ACC president Stephen Kinslow had a immediate impact on the Round Rock Campus.

About a dozen students, faculty, and staff gathered at RRC food service area for an event called Yak ‘N Sak on Sept 14. Anyone there could ask Stephen Kinslow, president/CEO of ACC, whatever they wanted.

One student used this opportunity to ask why there wasn't a microwave in the student lounge.

"You don't have them anywhere in this area?" said Kinslow. "Let's have them in here in the lounge. We can afford a few microwaves."

Round Rock Campus Manager Judy VanCleve worked quickly to resolve the problem.

"We'll have a microwave out here this afternoon," VanCleve said. "I knew we needed to do it, but it became at the top of the list when the student asked for it."

Within an hour there was a microwave in the lounge.

This was just one example of how important it is to have students at these meetings, said VanCleve.

If enough students don't show up, VanCleve will go out and try to find some. She explained why they need to be there.

"This is where you find out what the students and faculty are thinking," said VanCleve. "These are some of the best meetings we have."

Microwaves weren't the only thing on the audience created agenda.

One person asked if a bus line would be going to the campus soon. Kinslow said that it might occur in the future, but it's not going to happen any time soon.

"It's my understanding that the city of Rock Rock is in conversation with Capital Metro, so maybe in the future," said Kinslow.

A faculty member asked if the college had any plans to become a four year school. Kinslow replied by explaining his vision of the future of the college.

"We don't want to grow up and become a four year university," Kinslow said. "While there are stereotypes that community colleges aren't real colleges, well, we are. We offer a pretty good education. We want to continue to do more as a two year school."

One student asked if there are any plans to put covers over the sidewalks for when it rains. Kinslow said that they will not be doing this, but he did have a plan to help students with the problem.

"Maybe we'll urge students to bring umbrellas or wear plastic bags," Kinslow said.

After a student mentioned the distance between parking and the buildings, Kinslow explained the rationale.

"This campus was designed to have parking a little further away to encourage walking; also, so you wouldn't always see a sea of cars," Kinslow said.

Some of the attendees were interested if there were any plans to expand the Round Rock Campus. Kinslow said that they did have plans on how to accommodate more students.

"We've been invited by Texas State, that aren't even close to being at capacity, to continue using some of their rooms," Kinslow said.

Kinslow has been doing Yak-n-Sak for five years. He said that this one went great and explained why.

"It's a way to connect with the faculty and students," Kinslow said. "That's the whole point: to be open to anything said, whether it be positive or not."

Students who wish to attend a Yak ‘N Sak will have two more chances this semester. On Oct 14, at 9 a.m., Kinslow will be at Eastview Campus in room 8111; and on Nov. 9, at noon, at Northridge Campus in room 3140.