Chancellor Paper--N. Boer

There are not very many issues that I have with SAU Tech. I have no issues with the teachers or other staff and I do not have any serious issues with the campus itself. So there is not a drawn out list of things that I would change. There are a few things though. If I were chancellor I would add foreign language classes, have someone fix the Wi-Fi, and improve the selection in the library.

One of the reasons students attend a two year colleges is to complete the basic requirements need for a bachelor degree. SAU Tech offers most of the classes that are important to the first two years of the degree plan. It used to be that foreign language was just a recommendation depending on the degree that one was seeking. Now many degrees call for at least a first year language.  For some degrees the student may need to take several classes in a foreign language. For example, most history majors, depending on the school, need anywhere from six hours (SAU Magnolia) to fourteen hours (Texas A & M). So, those who are starting out at SAU Tech will be behind when it comes to the foreign language requirements for their degree. Six hours is a year behind, and fourteen hours is about two years behind. And if the history student wants to go on to get a master’s degree, they should be proficient in at least one language; proficient knowledge of two languages is needed, if they should choose to go on, further to a PhD.  Not being able to start taking language class now can really put one behind in their studies. If I were Chancellor I would make sure that there were foreign language classes available for the students to take. If it was an issue of cost I would figure out a way to make it possible.

            If I were chancellor I would have someone look into the issues with the Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi in most buildings works well but in some buildings, like the Tech building, the connection is not the greatest and does not always work. This can be inconvenient and causes people to complain. So, if I was Chancellor I would have someone come up with different solutions. Then I would go through the different solutions and decide which would be the best option. Then I would have someone fix the problems.

            Lastly, if I were Chancellor I would look at improving the selection in the library. Now I realize the SAU Tech is a small college and therefore does not need a huge library. The library has excellent online sources and a number and variety of nonfiction. But the fiction in my opinion is lacking some. There is not much to choose from. And while I personally find it cool that some of the books are from the ‘50s many of those books look unappealing. So, if I were Chancellor I would find some funds to buy a few more books both fiction and nonfiction. That way, there are more available options for students to choose from.

If I were chancellor, the most important thing that I would change is the availability of foreign language classes. The other things that I would look in to improving are the Wi-Fi and a few improvements to the selection of books in the library. Other than those issues as of now there is not really anything else that I would change if I was Chancellor.

Chancellor paper--B. Scharbor

         In my opinion, a chancellor is pretty much the principal of a college. There aren't disciplinary aspects in college such as detention and in school suspension like there is in grade school, but like a principal, they take care of other problems in the school. From my experience being the school ambassador, I've been able to sit down with our chancellor and explain the problems that are going on in our school. If I had the chance to be chancellor, there are some things I would change such as WiFi here on campus, better prices in the cafeteria, and having more activities to keep our students more active, healthy and in shape.

            I’m in my second half of my first semester here at SAU Tech and the WiFi reception is terrible. From what I've heard, because I don’t live on campus, it’s been a problem for a while. Being chancellor I would have to invest in a totally new WiFi service and make it where it can reach all over campus. In some parts of campus the service isn't good. Also on the weekends when there isn't access to computers, the on campus dorms have no service.  How are students supposed to get homework done? So as chancellor, that would be on my list of top things to fix.

            Another issue I've noticed are the prices for the food in the cafeteria.  I know for myself I can’t afford to buy that expensive of a lunch every day. Even the meal plans aren't very accommodating.  It’s hard for a full time college student to maintain a job during the school year. The little money they do some how come up with can’t go strictly to cafeteria food because of the high prices. The cafeteria is only open for lunch, and they feed not only students but also a lot of the workers in East Camden such as workers from Lockheed Martin and Highland. As chancellor, my idea would be to give a 10-20 percent discount for students only. With as many teachers and workers that come to SAU Tech’s café, there should not be any money lost.

            Along with WiFi and better prices for our cafeteria, staying healthy is a huge problem in our nation and definitely on college campuses.  Obesity and unhealthy habits are starting at a much younger age now. Being a two year college, we don’t have real team sports such as softball, basketball, football and volleyball. Athletic programs at larger schools are a big way for athletes to stay active and healthy. We have flag football and play night Frisbee maybe once or twice a semester but that isn't enough. We also have the activity center with a weight room and basketball court, but I know how hard it is to make myself get up and work out. However, as a chancellor, I would provide a more variety of things that may appeal to the students and make them want to get active. For example, Zumba is a very fun way to stay in shape along with yoga. Those may appeal more to the girls, but if we could have boxing classes or a par core team. One that would be great for boys and girls is a self defense class. Not only does it keep you active and in shape, but in today's world and how high the violence rates are, it could make a lot of more people feel comfortable.

            Being chancellor can’t be an easy job by any means. I’m aware that there are a lot of problems and some fall short as being a priority, but when college is about the students, these are some things I would have on my top list of things to do as a chancellor. With how much school costs, school has to appeal to the students so we can have more people going to college and getting jobs. WiFi, better café prices for students, and more things to stay healthy are some ways to make our school more appealing.