Students Perspectives from relocated AIT campus

Dear AIT Students

Many things have happened to us over the past few months - both good and difficult. It is easy to focus on negative aspects or on things that do not get resolved right away, but also, many positive milestones were reached and credit has to be given to those that made them become real to us.

By the way, we can always use more volunteers to help out with matters. Have you helped your fellow students? We thank all those students that did help during the dike building, evacuation and relocation.

1. With regard to the update, we can close the books on the relocation of students, the salvage operation, resumption of classes, revised visa protocols, availability of Halal food. All have been accomplished - albeit not without some degree of discomfort - but yes, accomplished nonetheless. Of the remainder, all of the followingissues are being activiely and agressively pursued - housing issues, internet availability, study space and transportation schedules. These last issues now serve as the foundation for most student concerns.

2. Housing? If anyone is sleeping on the floor, PLEASE you the student should let us know and we will find a mattress or other accommodations ASAP. In order for assistance, it is YOU the STUDENT that needs to let us know.

As we mentioned in an earlier message, there will be other independent housing opening up in several locations in January. Meanwhile, please keep in close communication with the proper office. For example, students that currently live in independent housing took matters into their OWN hands and, from our observations, are quite happy with their accommodations (bigger bedrooms, kitchens, multiple baths, and AC/TV/internet).

3. Laundry issues, just like at AIT, are yours and yours alone to resolve.

4. Three maids were hired for the Stamford dormitories. We do not know if more will be hired for other houses. Stay tuned.

5. A security guard was also hired for SIU dorms.

6. 80 tables (with chairs) were provided for Suchaya House to help with the study process. 5 more for Hua Hin Apartments. More will be provided as needs arise (or are already arisen).

7. Common areas can be used without charge for electricity

8. Mr. Rajan may expand his services to include food delivery if 8 or more students wish to eat the South Asian cuisine. It is up to you the students to get 8 or more students to ask him (or via us). This may work for Suchaya House since its restaurant has recently closed.

9. Bandwidth has been increased in 4 houses (Such, Prem, Nap and Baan). Tweeking of the service will also increase speed etc.

10. Reading materials for course work? Please work this out with your faculty.

11. Trips to Hua Hin city for dinner trips and/or shopping are now available with the addition of two vans - Leave at 6:30 and last van back at 9:00.  Please check with Ben for exact schedule.

12. A special prayer space is being sought after in the SIU auditorium. We will keep you posted on its progress.

13. Printing services are now available near the GRU office on the second floor at SIU. Students still pay per copy - just like at AIT.

14. A student blog will be available soon .. this will help to communicate issues and opinions in real time.

The results of the SU survey a few weeks ago were realistic and the voice of the GA stated strongly that more needs to be accomplished. There is still dissatisfaction, but we believe that level is decreasing with each and every day. Time for another survey perhaps?

OK students.... let's cooperate and help each other. Our job is to help you NOW. You can help us to help you by being patient and understanding.  The staff are working hard - very hard to make this a better experience.

The information above was presented and discussed in a meeting with Dean Afsulpurkar, Mr. Ashish and CLIQ.

Sincerely

Louis H.
CLIQ

The opinions of CLIQ are independent and are not governed by policies unrelated to its mission- internal or external.