Concourse should be used for studying, not socializing
Published in March 31, 2010 issue
This letter is in response to the March 10 Letter to the Editor about concourse noise from Roberta Drake.
Dear Roberta Drake,
In response to your March 10 letter to the editor, I understand that you’ve returned to JJC after 16 years and are surprised at what JJC has turned into.
Just to point something out, in the past 16 years, the student population has grown significantly, especially due to the recent poor economy.
The current student count is around 16,000, and our campus has not grown with the recent increase in students. This is why the college is going through with the Master Plan due to be completed in 2013.
I have come to observe that the college’s busy times are between the hours of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. During these times, in case you haven’t noticed, not only is the concourse full of socializing but the bridge and cafeteria are as well.
Your suggestion is to declare the concourse a "quiet zone" and take all these socializing students into the bridge? Unless you plan to pack students in there like sardines, I find this solution very impractical.
I understand that you believe that we are all here to get a degree, and I do agree with this. But isn’t part of the college experience making friends as well? Isn’t that why we have dozens of clubs and organizations on campus? Though making friends does include hanging out between classes, part of what the concourse is for.
I see that you’re concerned about studying and I highly recommend the library. Although you say that the library isn’t any better, I argue that it is, especially compared to the concourse.
If the library isn’t quiet enough for your studying, JJC has lots of natural areas that are meant for the students to take advantage of. I have been out there and it is very quiet, perfect for studying on nice days.
As for your concern for the lack of common courtesy and the ignorance of students, that is just unfortunately the new generation. There isn’t really much one can do about that so don’t take it out on the college.
If you still insist on the concourse being declared a "quiet zone," perhaps you can consult the Student Trustee who is the voice of the students to the board of trustees.
Ian Pierson
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Published in March 10, 2010 issue
Dear Editor: I am an older, returning student this semester. It’s been 16 years since I’ve been in a classroom, except for three weeks in the fall of 2006, when I had to drop for health reasons.
Many things have changed, including the fact that JJC is much more crowded now than in the past.
I have to say that I’m absolutely appalled at the lack of common courtesy and consideration for each other that I’ve encountered at JJC.
I sit on the concourse and try to study between classes, while groups of students congregate, talk loudly, shriek with laughter and play iPods so loud that I can hear the music several seats away. Not only is this disturbing to me and others on the concourse, but what about classes meeting nearby?
This afternoon as I came in from the south lot, two male students leaving walked by me. One of them belched loudly, whereupon his friend informed him that he was “mother****ing ignorant.” While that’s true, it was equally “ignorant” (rude) to use this language in a public place. I could have lived without it.
I also want to comment on the African Bazaar held on the “E” concourse on Feb.18. It was crowded and extremely noisy. I had a test that day in a classroom on the second floor of E Building, overlooking the concourse.
It was difficult to find a place to study before class (I ended up in C Building). Even worse, in the classroom, the noise level was so loud that our teacher left the room several times to try to get it toned down.
Now, I’m not upset about there being such an event. I am suggesting, though, that such events be moved somewhere behind closed doors, such as the gym, the theatre, or the bridge, so that those of us in class or preparing for class, can have some peace.
While cultural events are “icing,” what we are really here for is to complete our classes and graduate. I think perhaps our priorities have become a little off-kilter.
In the interest of offering a possible solution, I’d like to see the main concourse declared a “quiet” zone - quiet individual or group studying allowed only.
If you want to congregate to talk, perhaps the bridge could be designated for that and close the doors leading onto the concourse. I’ve tried the library - it’s not so quiet there, either.
Ladies and gentlemen, whether we’re 18 years old or 58 years old, we are here for the same reason - to complete our education and prepare ourselves to be productive members of society. Let’s start out right by showing respect for each other. It’s a basic life skill
Roberta Drake
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