A new marketing campaign is calling Delta College the “smart step forward,” but the school fails to provide a necessary resource for us to move on – a library with extended hours.
The campaign is aimed at making improvements and bringing more students in, with hopes they will take advantage of the affordable campus. Facilities and programs are showcased.
So what’s the problem?
The school doesn’t offer a designated space for studying or schoolwork before 7 a.m. and after 8:30 p.m. Those are the library’s hours from Monday throughThursday.
On Friday, the library closes at 3:30 p.m.
This is especially restricting to a population of students who may not have access to campus before these times. There are students who have day jobs and only have night classes or simply have classes during the times of operation.
“I used to go everyday, but Friday’s were the worst because I couldn’t go since they closed early,” said Karina Ibarra, a Delta College student.
University of the Pacific offers students extended hours during this time of year when students have midterms and finals around the corner.
During finals the library is open between eight to 24 hours and provides assistance to students during the majority of the day.
Delta’s tutoring center is only open from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m..
“If I didn’t have the resources at home, I would probably be there often but right now it’s not much of a problem,” said Ibarra.
This is a noticeable problem. Students seek alternative places to go.
Nearby coffee shops are filled with students doing schoolwork or meeting with other students.
“Before I couldn’t really go as early as I wanted to. I prefer early mornings after a good nights sleep, but I would be in class by the time the library or Danner was open so I had to find somewhere to go if I could not concentrate at home,” said Martin Sanchez Sacramento State and Delta student.
Another problem that rises is the accessibility to a meal.
Danner Hall is open between 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. but and the bookstore is open until 6 p.m.
Students at Delta late into the evening are forced to leave campus for a snack or meal.
Perhaps if Delta is wondering why the student population doesn’t always take advantage of what they offer they might want to consider evaluating offerings for students on campus.
If Delta truly wants to be a “smart step forward,” maybe more effort should go to providing access to necessities that would make our student population more successful.