By Pamela Sweetwood
Through my job, I take students on campus visits regularly to Illinois state university and private colleges. Today I thought I would share with listeners who may not have been on a college campus this decade some of the changes.
About 5-7 years ago, I was at ISU and saw Manchester/Hewett residence halls. When I left ISU in 1992, I was the staff person in charge of one of the buildings. I could not believe the overhaul of the common areas. The cafeteria was gone, entrance changed, resources added and vastly improved. I was stunned for days thinking about it. I suppose ISU alum have that reaction when returning to campus, visiting Hancock Stadium or Uptown Normal. With homecoming soon, many will face a similar reaction.
Today’s college students live a drastically different existence that I did. Laundry is a good example. Quarters are no longer needed on most campuses. You merely swipe your ID. There are apps to tell you when a washer or dryer is available. At Western, you get a text when your laundry finishes.
Food options include restaurants, choices of cafeterias, ethnic food and extensive hours – even until 2 am or later. I remember dinner being a mere few hours with little choice and defined portions. For the most part, you were out of luck if you were at work or class. The food was not good either. The menu repeated often. At Eastern, the food court has 5 restaurants and students can even purchase cases of soda. Kiosks are sprinkled on many campuses to support students coffee addictions. Convenience stores are also very common. Not only can you buy supplies but you can also grab and go lunch with just your ID.
I remember too well freezing walking across campus to class. Many campuses have buses to take students from class to class. Transportation in town and back home is also easier.
Of course, technology has changed. For a stats class, I could only use one computer lab on campus and it was open very limited hours. Computer labs are now plentiful – in libraries, classroom buildings, within departments and in residence halls. With campus wi-fi, students can be working on an assignment in bed or on the quad. The possibilities are endless.
The good ol’ days were not so good. With each campus visit, I am tempted to ask for a do-over to college.
Pamela Sweetwood was an ISU student, like many, who never left town. She works in higher education and has a history with many community non-profits organizations.
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