San Antonio College students voiced their opinions and concerns to SAC Interim President Dr. Francisco Solis during a “Pizza With the President” event hosted by the Student Government Association Oct. 16.
Solis took questions from 22 students in the Fletcher Administration Building in a roundtable-style meeting.
“I think it’s a great thing,” Solis said. “I think we need to celebrate the wins where they are but also take students seriously. We have 20,000 students and over 1,000 employees, and our priority is student success. Unless we hear from students, it’s impossible to achieve that.”
The college’s student advising process was among the concerns students expressed.
“After three advising appointments, I came in with clear questions and wanting guidance on my major and career choices,” criminal justice major Mia Smith said. “I felt very overlooked and rushed out the door, maybe more like I was a statistic and not an actual person.”
Solis told Smith SAC’s adviser-to-student ratio is one to 300. He said he would have staff reach out to Smith to assist her.
Computer science major Natasha De la Garza asked about establishing an Upsilon Pi Epsilon chapter. The “International Honor Society for the Computing and Information Disciplines” consists of chapters in various colleges and universities, according to its website.
“I think that’d be cool because it’s more based upon what you’re majoring in … It’d be cool if we had more specific honors societies,” De la Garza said.
Solis said there is much to celebrate across campus.
“Course completion rates are up, course enrollment is up, and it looks like we have over 20,000 students enrolled this semester,” Solis said. “It’s more than a number. That number means that our students and, more importantly, our community believe in the mission of San Antonio College.”
Solis said he is also working with the Fiesta Commission to expand Fiesta events in the spring.
“We’ve always had several events surrounding Fiesta. One is Fredstock. The other is a Cultural Fest, and the other is the Fiesta Fun Day that student activities puts on,” Solis said. “My office is bringing those three conversations about supporting a larger presence during Fiesta. We’re the launch site for the parades. How can we not be involved? I think our plan is going to come together.”
Solis said details for SAC’s Fiesta events will be announced once planning is finalized.
SGA will host the next “Pizza With the President” event in the spring. The events are always open to all students.
