McKenna Bitikofer
Staff Writer
The Florida Southern College Department of Safety has been implementing a variety of changes internally and externally throughout this past summer including new infrastructures and personal training for the staff.
“We are constantly changing and enhancing what we have already been doing,” Head of Safety Eric Rauch said. With the old gravel lots hurting drivers’ bumpers and the building having not been touched up since its dean’s office days over fifty years ago, Rauch is ecstatic about these new improvements as the building was in desperate “need for a facelift” as Rauch stated.
Within the department, staff members have been furthering their training during the summer to ensure the safety of the entire campus. Staying up to date on their training not only serves as a reminder to the staff but also shows how diligently the safety department works. With the help of a generous donor, the safety building is having a rather large renovation including all exteriors and parking lots.
Furthermore, one of the most prominent changes that has caused some uprising has been paving the dirt lot located near Hollis, Miller, and Dell Hall. Before, the Dell parking lot was covered with gravel and dust compared to the new professional paved and freshly painted look. With this addition, there are specific parking spots lined versus the park as you please style. However, this new pavement plan has caused students worry as spots seem even more limited than before.
“It’s nice but it doesn’t fix that there is hardly any parking most of the time,” FSC senior Joshue de la Pena said.
Like de la Pena, many students are concerned with this matter as more and more freshmen enter the campus every year and less spots become available. Parking around campus can cause unneeded stress to students because many believe this new pavement is a negative not a positive addition to our school. Rauch gives clarity on the situation, saying that the organization is an added benefit.
“Dell was long overdue, that parking lot was in such a state of disrepair, now it’s actually more organized,” Rauch said. “You actually gained spaces, it was so disorganized before.”
With this change to campus, students can now park in a structured fashion rather than freelance parking. The community can also expect to see a more aesthetic looking environment to match the energy of the other Frank Lloyd Wright architecture that encompasses this whole campus.
“Appearance wise and aesthetics it looked like something you would find in a rundown city,” Rauch said. “Now it looks very professional.”
This professional look will continue to set the tone for current and future students as it serves as a home away from home.
With all of the upcoming and continuing projects, Rauch believes this is the step in the right direction to further improve and prioritize safety among the students while also enhancing the campus’ overall aesthetics. Rauch firmly believes in his open door policy and would love to welcome all new or returning students to ask any further questions.
“Make it a point to come by,” Rauch said. “I won’t ever duck a question from you!”
