OC's new front door

Odessa College will get a new front door in the next year thanks to money set aside in this years approved budget of $41.3 million.

OCs front door is actually on the second floor of the administration building in the back meaning there really isn't one, said David Bauske, vice president for student services.

"There is nothing that says START HERE," he said.

Jose Venegas, student body president and a registrar specialist at OC, said the campus needs a front door.

"Everything is in different buildings," he said.

The redecorating is still in the concept phase, but that hasn't squelched Bauske's imagination.

When a student walks inside there will no longer be closed offices, but open rooms with counters, he said. Generalist employees trained in multiple tasks will line these counters like soda jerks, ready to take your order.

The menu will include financial aid, admissions, applications, advising and, yes, the cashier's office.

"It shouldn't take a whole lot of construction,"  he said.

He said this should help students get eased into college with less difficulty, which could boost enrollment.

In August, OC held a one-stop shop arena registration to make students lives easier. Bauske called it a success.

"We registered about 400 students that day," he said. "But that was only a temporary fix."

Venegas said the arena registration day was a great day to get students to register.

Venegas said his experience registering when he was a new student was a decent experience, but better accessibility would have been a lot more helpful.

He now works on the other side of the equation in the registrar's office.

"I see people get lost. I will have to guide them to the bridge and down the stairs," he said.

He said it can be difficult.

Venegas said he would like to see something modern and pleasing to the eye in the design, and maybe even some bright colors.

"It should make people feel comfortable coming to school, and not feel like they are asking stupid questions," he said.

As for now, students are still trying to find their way.

"Do you know where the cashiers office is? " a perplexed student asked Bauske as he was leaving the existing, tucked-away student services building.

Bauske smiled at the poetic moment and pointed to a small makeshift, wiry sign in front of another building that read "cashier's office."

OTHER PROJECTS AT OC

>> Pavilion.

>> Gaming Center.

>> Roof repairs.

COMPLETED RECENT PROJECTS

>> The Wi-Fi Cafï¿©.

>> Redecorating the cafeteria.