Students voice complaints, ideas at trustee forum

ACC students at Riverside Campus advised college leaders on Oct. 13 as part of the ACC Student Forum hosted by the Student Government Association.

The college representatives who attended were Trustee member Barbara Mink, Dean of Student Services Virginia Fraire, and Campus Manager Frank Taylor.

"It was a good opportunity for students to speak out," Peter Ramirez, an ACC Student, said.

The topics discussed included student desk size, computer availability on campus, Capitol Metro bus routes and parking. There were some questions that were answered at the forum. Taylor explained that the school is currently in the process of purchasing new desks. The type of desk has already been chosen, and the information is currently being sent to the Facilities and Operations Department for processing.

"Ideally I would love to have it by the start of spring," Taylor said. "Hopefully within this academic year for sure." On the topic of computer availability on campus, Mink suggested that there should be some ground rules that would prioritize which students could use the computers.

"If people are checking their e-mail, they can have 15 minutes," Mink said.

Other questions were not as easy to answer and will require further attention. Mink explained that she and the other campus leaders couldn't decide on anything at the meeting.

"I'm one of the board members, so I can't say the board will do this or that," Mink said. "That's why we're all taking notes: to get it to its specific place."

Not all topics discussed were serious ones. One student complained about the toilet paper being positioned too low in the bathroom stall. Mink tried to get things back on track.

"I have to make a report of this," Mink said. "I'm not going to sit in front of the board and report about toilet paper."

Students who were unable to attend the event can still voice their opinions before the board. Mink explained that once a month the Board of Trustees opens the floor to anyone who would like to speak. These meetings are held at 6 p.m. at the Highland Business center on the first Monday of each month.

Overall Taylor felt the forum was a success.

"It definitely helps us as a college to know which direction we should go to resolve the issues."