By Chase Greer
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – A new game center has been added to the student café in the Connector Building. It takes the place of a quiet café, a study area that college officials are trying to relocate.
The student café is a popular spot for students to meet and converse in between classes. This, along with a high traffic rate of students on their way to the cafeteria, makes it an unsuitable environment for a quiet study corner.
The lively student environment is more suitable for a game center for students to spend time in between classes. In the game center, there is less pressure to be quiet and bonding is encouraged through shared activities.
“We are always looking for new opportunities to keep students engaged while they are on campus. When this was previously designated as a quiet area, it was never truly quiet since it was open to other areas of the cafeteria,” stated Ron Tomasello, the communications director for Camden County College.
The quiet café’s previous location near the cafeteria was very loud. The high traffic and noisy environment of the cafeteria made it difficult for students to focus on their schoolwork.
“We will be opening a new and improved quiet area in the future where students will not only have a space to study, but will also have the opportunity to relax, meditate and focus on their well-being. In the meantime, there are other quiet areas to study around campus, including the library and student lounges in the academic buildings,” Tomasello said.
He did not specify where or when it will be relocated.
Alexis Cantu, a first-year student at Camden County College, disagrees with the addition of the game center in place of the quiet café.
“It was more beneficial as a quiet corner. It acted as another place for students to wind down between classes, get extra work done or relax with their friends. As a game room, it brings extra noise and chaos, which some students may find distracting and unpleasant,” Cantu said.
John Halwood, another CCC students, likes the new center.
“The game center is a nice feature in the cafe. You can make friends there quick because you have similar interests in the games that they have there,” Halwood said.
The game center has many games for students to play with their peers. They include arcade games like Mortal Combat III and Blitz to play with others and Ms. Pac-Man and Space Invaders to play alone. The room also has an air hockey table for a more hands-on gaming experience.