By Thomas Wilson / Staff Writer

While students leave Missouri Valley College for the summer, campus activity continues with maintenance, planning, and limited student engagement. 

President Dr. Joseph Parisi said that there are some significant changes when it comes to life on campus during the summer season. 

“Campus life has significantly changed for several reasons,” Parisi noted. “This includes repairing, upgrading, cleaning, and maintenance in addition to summer classes and youth camps.” 

The college offers various sports camps, including soccer, football, basketball and wrestling camps, that attract residential as well as commuter students. The management is also planning to ensure that some facilities remain accessible for both students and residents of the area.

“We will keep Qdoba open through the summer for the benefit of the Marshall community,” Parisi stated. 

But for the students, the summer time is different depending on whether they stay on campus or go back home. 

Swervy, a Missouri Valley College student, said he is not attached to the campus over the summer season. 

“I am going home during the summer season. Don’t even visit the campus in summer,” Swervy stated. Moreover, he said that the feeling of disconnection becomes evident as soon as the school year ends. “I do not feel connected to the school during the summer,” said Swervy. 

He believed that the school could do something helpful for the students during this period. “We need some place where we can leave our things,” said Swervy. 

On the other hand, Juan José mentioned that he stays at the school campus throughout the summer. 

“During this summer break, I will be keeping myself close by studying within the International Office at the campus and striving to better myself academically and prepare for the new soccer season,” he said. 

Due to his job, Juan José told me that he visits the campus often. 

“Throughout the summer, I visit the campus regularly, often several times per week,” he said. 

Regarding the environment within the campus during the summer months, he told me that it felt quite different than when there were classes.

Although he enjoyed the tranquility of the campus, he stated that there were disadvantages. 

“I like the quietness and peacefulness of the campus because it allows me to concentrate, but I don’t like that there are limited activities and little socializing,” Juan Jose commented. 

Even with his preference for peace, he still makes use of campus facilities. 

“Even with the lack of activities, I still make use of the gym, offices, and common rooms, particularly the International Office where I work,” he explained. 

According to Juan Jose, even though he is no longer enrolled in classes, he still feels attached to the college community. 

“However, I still feel very much a part of the community because I work here and get to engage with staff and some students. But I would say it’s a little less than when there are students here in the school year,” he noted. 

He added that making the experience more engaging can help make summers better for those students who stay on campus. 

“I think the college should offer students more things to do over the summer – both activities and jobs,” he remarked. 

According to Parisi, summer is also an important period for planning. 

“The major thing this summer is the budget process and we’re being very conservative but at the same time we’re planning for success and we’re starting early,” he explained. 

Moreover, the college is making investments in educational services, including technological advancements. 

“We have invested in Canvas, the most advanced learning platform, and our deans are focusing on academic scheduling for summer and fall,” Parisi said. A lot of work is being done behind the scenes during the summer, much of which remains unnoticed by the students, such as improvements to the infrastructure on campus. 

“Rehabilitation of the roofs, boilers, and other repair works require a lot of effort and resources, considering that many of our buildings were built way back in the 1800s,” Parisi said. 

In addition, new projects are also being planned. 

“We have some plans for the bistro project, performance corner, and game day as well as healthy food,” Parisi added. 

The summer season also becomes significant in recruiting, as the number of campus tours becomes greater. 

“The tours we do have become significantly greater,” said Parisi. “This is a big time when potential students can come visit us, and our coaches are always recruiting.” 

While it is quiet on campus, the summer season still remains vital for colleges.