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This story is the first in a series to gauge the perspective and insights of campus members on topics of particular relevance at OU-C.
A recent survey of individuals who were relaxing and studying in the Learning Commons found that OU-C students have varying views of the ongoing Parkway Project. The project, which is currently under construction, changes the exterior of the campus and is designed to give OU-C more of the look of a college campus and includes features such as increased parking, a pedestrian plaza in front of Bennett Hall and an amphitheater.
Here is what random OU-C students had to say:
“I like the way it is turning out. They seem to be doing a good job based on what is finished so far,” said Dominica Hannah, a business administration student from Latham. “I wish that more would have been finished before fall quarter began, though. It’s inconvenient to walk around the library while other entrances are blocked.”
Beckah Gahm, a middle childhood education major from Latham, said she spent much of her first day on campus following others. “Since I am new, I did not know my way around. Once the project is done, it looks like it will be nice. I think we will need even more parking with the growing enrollment.”
“The project is going to make the campus more attractive,” observed Terry Glatting, a business major from Ross County’s Southeastern High School. “The new look is going to be reflective of the quality of the education you are going to get here. The inconvenience is temporary, but the quality of the education is forever and worth the inconvenience.”
“It is an inconvenience right now, but once the construction is done, there will be more parking,” said April Wilson, a Chillicothe resident who is studying to become a physical therapy assistant. “I had to park on top of the hill. It is inconvenient, but it will be worth it. It will look more like a college campus.”
“It’s not inconvenient to me since I get here early and can find parking,” said Caleb Reisinger, an early childhood education major from Washington Court House. “I think it will give the campus a better look. Since this is my first year, I cannot compare the new look to anything.”
“They could have definitely picked a better time of year. It seems like it’s a waste of money. We could have used the money for the school buildings and students. I don’t think the outside is going to change the school’s prominence,” Sarah Poe, a nursing student from Chillicothe, said.
Josh Roe, a nursing student from Portsmouth, said, “I definitely like it. It makes the campus look less industrial and more habitable. The parking lot needed repaving, anyway.”
“I love the way it looks. It is so much more functional and looks more professional. Plus, it adds parking spots and allows the campus to expand,” said Lacey Knight, a nursing student from Southeastern High School in Ross County.
“I can already see the improvement,” said Justin Cardenas, a psychology major from Chillicothe. “I have to walk from the top of the hill. Sometimes it’s a disaster. But, I guess it’s good to get the exercise. I am going to take more pride in going to OU-C because they are making improvements.”
Heidi Clark, a pre-nursing student from Waverly, said, “Parking stinks. It looks nice, though. It is not going to change the attitude around campus. People are still going to fight for parking.”
“I think it will be better when it’s done. I don’t mind walking, though. It definitely gives a nicer appearance. I think it might improve the reputation and appearance to outsiders, but it hasn’t changed my opinion about campus. As long as OU-C keeps offering the classes I want, I will keep going here,” said Jansen Dickinson, psychology major from Chillicothe.
Feel free to keep this dialogue going and add comments by commenting on this blog entry.
R. David Shoemaker has been named director of athletics at Ohio University-Chillicothe, effective Sept. 15 In this part-time position, Shoemaker is responsible for the administrative duties of OU-C’s athletic teams, such as game-day operations, supervision of coaches, coordinating travel arrangements, ensuring the eligibility of student-athletes based on university and conference policies and coordinating community outreach programs.
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