Parking at the college has been among the top concerns for students this semester. That concern could possibly be overshadowed by another concern very soon.

Starting Oct. 24, both the Mitby and the gymnasium entrances at Truax will be closed due to the construction outside.

With both of the main entrances closed, students will have to walk around the building, down Anderson Street and enter through the doors adjacent to the cafeteria. That is a long walk for any spot in the new student lot, especially for students in the far back lot. This will especially be the case with how dangerous weather can become in the Wisconsin winter.

The college has already made steps to alleviate the problems created by the closings. The bus stop on Anderson Street has already been moved. In the next two years of construction, there are other things the college can do to help this issue out.

Provide a shuttle service

Dr. Keith Cornille, Vice President of Student Development, has been actively pursuing a shuttle service for students during this time frame. That will be the first step in helping out this difficult time.

During the winter, sidewalks obviously become icy. If a student were to slip and fall on the sidewalk along Anderson Street, it would create an even messier situation.

However, it is not just about providing a shuttle service. The college should emphasize the shuttle during peak times by offering more rides during those times.

There are peak times of student arrival during the day, whether it is between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. or around 5 p.m. There will be heavy traffic during these times.

The 5 p.m. time slot offers another variable that the college needs to look at: darkness. Many students take night classes at the college and it will become dark sooner in the next few months. It will be important to have a shuttle service at the times that these classes end, whether it is at 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. as well, not just during day hours.

Transparency will be essential

In his time as Vice President of Student Development, Cornille as been transparent while dealing with students and others associated with the college.

Also, President Bettsey Barhorst has been approachable as well, as she makes appearances in the cafeteria and Marketplace at times. Continuing to be available and being open to new ideas will be key to a smooth transition into this period of time.

What do the students need to do?

Students need to plan ahead when attending Truax. Whether that means utilizing the shuttle, Metro service or even leaving home earlier, students need to do that.

Students also need to remain calm during this period of time. It’s hard to say at this point how difficult things may be, but the situation will not go away anytime soon. The situation is what it is.

If things aren’t going as smoothly as you feel they should, providing constructive feedback will be the only way to make things better. Talking to Cornille or President Barhorst will only help if it is done in a diplomatic manner. Also, providing feedback to the Student Senate will become increasingly important in the next two years.

Cornille encourages students to contact him through email at [email protected] if there are questions or concerns.