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Among the Inconveniences, Shuttling to Hotels

By Trish Hardy
Black College Wire

On the first day of classes at North Carolina Central University, students not only had to worry about class schedules, financial-aid lines and billing concerns, many had to adjust to a new shuttle schedule.

Increased enrollments and the closing of two dorms by a mold infestation have forced upward of 900 students to live off-campus.

And the university had to find adequate transportation for all of them.

“This is new to us,” said Roland Gaines, vice chancellor for student affairs.

With every new situation, there are problems. There have been complaints that the shuttle is an inconvenience because students have to alter their extracurricular activities.

Some complain about having to wake up earlier than they would if they lived on campus.

“I, like many other students, participate in organizations that often require late-night meetings or practices,” said Renee Clark, a sophomore who had to move to Alta Trace Apartments. “There should be an on-call number so that students with legitimate reasons can ask for pick-up from campus.”

Some expressed concerns that the shuttle stops running at 10 p.m., but the library doesn’t close until 1 a.m., and many students find time to visit the library only during late hours. “This is supposed to be an institution of higher learning, and the students’ academics should be first priority,” said Kirtisha Jones, a senior who has also been relocated to Alta Trace.

Some students have decided to use their own vehicles, finding it more convenient than waiting for the campus provided transportation.

Student transportation fees of $25 per semester are paying for the transportation service.

Trish Hardy is a student at North Carolina Central University who writes for The Campus Echo.

Posted Sept. 17, 2003