Mini-metamorphosis in store for college
OCCC administrators are looking to students and faculty for ideas of how to improve study areas and food service options.
The college has brought in a consultant to recommend ideas which will enhance food service options as well as provide more amenities in the college union, the first floor main lobby and the courtyard.
Campus Life Concepts Consultant Manny Cunard visited the campus, Oct. 19 and 20 to review the college campus and obtain feedback from faculty and students as to what changes they would like to see be made on campus.
“I was brought in to take a real hard look at the public areas,” Cunard said.
A sense of community needs to be created by enhancing the look and feel of the courtyard, College Union and pubic lounge areas, Cunard said.
Several ideas for the first floor of the Main Building were offered up in regards to student comfort.
OCCC student Dustin Fisher said he wants to see some comfortable chairs and couches in the Main Building.
“More comfortable furniture than what’s out there now,” Fisher said. “Those couches are hard as a rock.”
In addition to furniture, students recommended soft lighting on the tables, plants and area rugs under the tables to create a soothing and inviting atmosphere, Cunard said.
Additional food vendors who would remain open in the evening after Carson’s Market Fresh Café closes to accommodate students was a top concern to students, he said.
Based on student’s wishes, Cunard recommended placing a Starbuck’s-type coffee bar on the first floor of the Main Building next to the stairwell where the copiers now sit.
“Take that back wall and build Oklahoma City Community College’s version of a Starbucks.
“Instead of having just the coffee, pastries and brownies, it would have Gyro sandwiches, soup and salads.”
Fisher really liked the idea.
“That would be awesome,” he said.
Other ideas mentioned to Cunard included more comfortable chairs and smaller, round tables in the union, arcade-style games such as air hockey, pool and foosball on the raised area of the College Union as well as plants to improve the Union’s aesthetic appearance.
Cunard’s report has not yet been submitted to college administrators.
“At this point, [Cunard] is preparing his report to the college, which I have not seen yet,” said OCCC President Paul Sechrist in an e-mail.
“It is likely that we will move forward on something, but funding may provide some limits of we can do right away.”
Editor David Miller can be reached at editor@occc.edu.
