Campus officials have spent time and money trying to foster student life on campus since students have been asking for wireless access and a place to check email. The new Cyber Center is the answer.

The Channels editorial staff believes the Center is a great addition to City College. It improves the visual landscape of the Campus Center and has improved sales in the cafeteria.

The development of the Cyber Center was first reported in The Channels when Dr. Jack Friedlander, executive vice president of educational programs, and the Student Senate began discussing ideas and looking for funding over a year ago. The center is a place on campus where students can freely access personal email, or enjoy the benefits of a wireless network.

The only cost for students in the Cyber Center is a charge for printing, but it’s only 10 cents a copy. Everything else in the center is free, including computer access and technical support.

The center is a casual lounge, an atmosphere where you can feel energized by the funky décor while checking your email. The only problem now is demand. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Student Support Specialist, Jennifer Mueller, said the center is usually packed with students, especially during morning and afternoon hours.

The cafeteria has also been busy this semester. Friedlander said the cafeteria has seen a dramatic increase in sales this fall compared to the numbers from last fall. He added that he was pleased students are spending more time on campus.

Sharon Coffield, Assistant Controller at City College, said the total bill for the Cyber Center was $365, 819 and the Cafeteria remodel cost about $192, 171.

This bill may seem high, but it did not all come from the same pocket. One of the biggest investors was the Campus Bookstore.

Bookstore Manager John Lorelli said it was an investment in the students. Every dollar counts in the tight budget lifestyle California Community Colleges try to live in, but the school must balance this with the needs of the students.

Superintendent-President John Romo congratulated Food Service Manager Marc Sullivan at a speech he gave at the start of the fall semester. The Channels agrees with Romo.

Sullivan, Friedlander, the Student Senate, Lorelli and others all contributed to the Cyber Center and Campus Center remodels to improve the atmosphere for students.

This money is well spent. It is worth it to improve the campus and the resources available to students.

The tight budget shouldn’t keep us from improving the atmosphere the City College community lives and learns in.