As students, we spend a lot of time here – in classrooms, waiting for appointments, trying to navigate confusing systems – so it feels important to point out what could make the experience better. These aren’t small complaints. They’re things that, if fixed, could make a real difference for both current students and those who come after us.
Office and Counselor Access
The biggest issue is how hard it is to get help when you need it. There’s no option to schedule counselor appointments online, so students are forced to either call and wait on hold – sometimes forever – or show up in person.
I’ve personally waited on hold for 45 minutes without ever speaking to someone. Recently, I went in to book a one-hour meeting and was told I’d have to come back on Monday just to schedule it. That’s completely different from what I’ve done in the past. It feels like a whole system that makes students jump through hoops instead of supporting us.
Financial Aid and FAFSA System
The FAFSA process is often slow, confusing and disorganized. Sometimes students don’t even know their status until it’s almost too late to make informed decisions about classes and tuition. A more clear and faster process would remove a lot of unnecessary stress.
Waitlist and Class Drops
The waitlist system is confusing, and some students get dropped from classes without warning. The rules aren’t laid out for students. It’s hard to know when students will be moved from the waitlist into a class. Better communication and a more transparent process would help students feel less anxious.
Professors Who Don’t Engage
Most professors care about their students, but there are definitely a few who don’t seem interested in supporting student success. Reaching out for help and getting brushed off makes the whole experience feel isolating and discouraging.
Parking Frustrations
Parking during peak hours is rough. You can arrive on time, circle the lot for 15 minutes, and still end up late to class. For a commuter school, parking should be more of a priority. Even something simple like a real-time system to show available spots would make a huge difference.
Food Options & Affordability
Campus food is limited and overpriced. More variety and affordable prices would improve life for students who spend long days on campus. It would also encourage more students to stick around, building a stronger sense of community.
Class-Web System
The class web interface was updated recently, but it’s still hard to navigate. Signing up for classes feels more complicated than it should be, with too many confusing menus and unclear layouts. Students often find themselves on a loop of opening and closing different tabs. A more modern, streamlined system would reduce stress and save time.
Outdated Facilities & Study Spaces
Some classrooms and study areas feel outdated or uncomfortable, especially for long study sessions. More quiet zones, updated furniture and extended library hours would create a more supportive environment for learning.
Campus Life
Las Positas can sometimes feel like a “come here for class and leave” type of school. More events, clubs, career fairs and internship opportunities would help build campus life and better prepare students for what comes next.
More Counselors & Classes
Even if you do manage to book a meeting, counselors are usually backed up for weeks . On top of that, some required classes fill up fast, leaving students stuck waiting another semester. More staff and more sections of in-demand classes would make a huge impact .
At the end of the day, students aren’t asking for perfection – just a campus that’s easier to navigate and more supportive of our success. Las Positas already has a lot going for it. But fixing these problems would make it an even better place to learn and grow.
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TOP PHOTO: A counselor meets with a student. Many students feel that it takes weeks to schedule an appointment, leaving them without support. (Photo courtesy of Southern Methodist University)
Andrew Branham is a staff writer for The Express.
