Manuel Cedeno / Contributing writer
Biscayne Bay Campus has regained its quiet.
After a solid three weeks, freshmen and new transfer students have adjusted. What at first seemed like an overcrowded, tangled-web of a campus, is now a seamless flow of students maneuvering the hallways through efficient avenues.
At this time, the Student Government Association at BBC, in efforts to introduce itself to new students, also likes to gauge the student body in terms of population, declared majors, perspectives on campus food quality and other issues that affect daily life on campus.
In a recent effort to compile feedback, SGA-BBC sent out an email to all students with an attached survey.
At first glance, the questions may seem pointless and redundant; however, all questions are carefully thought out beforehand to help SGA to address concerns students may have about any facet of BBC.
“Every year we try to ascertain what some of the concerns of the students are. In essence, the main goal of this survey is just to get an idea of what the student population is here at BBC, where [the students] are, and let them know what we do,” said Pablo Haspel, president of SGC-BBC. “Obviously it’s a lot easier to help them out if they know who we are, and if they have any issues they can come talk to us.”
One of the burdens that seem to be on every one’s mind is the cafeteria. Haspel would like everyone to know that SGA is very aware of this and is doing everything in their power to assess the situation.
“Food choices have been a concern for a while now. Something we do try to address every year. With the move of the cafeteria from the second floor to the new wing, food options also changed slightly, so we do have some [better] options,” Haspel said. “Last year, one of the locations changed and became Bistro Subs, a healthier choice.
According to Haspel, students need to remember that at the end of the day, it’s a business and vendors do need to make some type of profit out of it. So in terms of hours, food and prices, they need be able to sustain their business while still maintaining profitability.
“I am happy to say though that business has been improving and growing, making it easier to change or add-on to the current food options,” said Haspel.
Another question on the survey asked students to estimate how many hours a week they spent at certain places on campus, such as the Wolfe Center, library, cafeteria, recreation center, or other.
“I came up with the idea [in order] to know where students usually go between classes, so if, for example, we want to plan an event at a specific time of the day or afternoon, we know where most of the student body [hangs out] and can plan accordingly,” said Student Advocacy Committee Chair, Carolina Krauskopf.
Questions like this help Krauskopf, who also generated the questions on the survey, map out the student population in correlation to where they spend most of their time on campus when not in the classroom.
The survey also allows students to voice any questions or opinions they may have as well, and are not bound a few multiple choice inquiries.
“I definitely feel the gym needs to be open later. I transferred from the Modesto Maidique Campus a few semesters ago and the gym over there is open until midnight, Monday through Thursday. Nothing like finishing a stressful day at school with a good workout, 10 p.m. is just too early when some classes finish as late at 9 p.m.” said senior and hospitality student, Braian Briceño.
Those who may have not received the survey through the email can access it through the SGC-BBC Facebook page.
