TCH News

Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: News

Media Credit: sussex.edu

Waiting patiently in the lobby of the president's office, thumbing through campus activity brochures, I was greeted warmly by SCCC's new president, Dr. Constance Mierendorf.

We stepped into her office and sat at a circular table together. This provided a much- needed sense of comfort for this relatively new reporter.

Addressing the recent 12 percent increase in full-time students, Mierendorf said, "We're offering 14 percent more classes. We're also adding sections, more morning classes, and Friday and Saturday classes."

Yet more students and more classes might not solve one of SCCC's most persistent problem, namely parking.

"We will be adding 207 spaces," said Mierendorf. "We are planning to have the dirt patch at the bottom of the campus paved and ready by winter."

Not only will the college be adding spaces in what is commonly referred to as the "dirt patch," but students should expect to see more parking near V-building and close to the recently constructed Health Science and Performing Arts Center. This will result in a grand total of 1500 parking spaces.

"We're also adding an additional shuttle, something you rarely see among other community colleges," said Mierendorf, who is no stranger to community colleges. Prior to becoming SCCC's fourth president in June, she was the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Raritan Valley Community College.

Not only have the number of students and parking grown, but also the number of security officials has risen. While quelling any rumor that the increase of campus security is related to the tragedy that befell Virginia Tech only a few short months ago, Mierendorf said," It is [an important] part of what we're doing."

Recently, in 2005, SCCC underwent a "Threat and Vulnerability Study." This identified security dangers around the campus. "We're in good shape and have an emergency action planned," Mierendorf said. "We're ahead of the game."

Mierendorf has many changes planned for our campus. Most noted is the change of identity to V-building, formerly home of the college's nursing program. The building will be remodeled into an expanded bookstore, leaving room once it vacates its current abode in D building.

Within the next budget cycle there will be additions to staff and counselors. Overall, Mierendorf reported that SCCC is "in good shape."

The changes Mierendorf plans will ensure that the growing population of SCCC students, faculty, and staff stay "in good shape."

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