While the students wrap up their last semester at a community college, most are also preparing themselves to pursue higher education at a four-year university. It’s that time of the year when long-term goals are set, and students strive to complete their requirements. Daisy Lopez, transferred from San Joaquin Delta College this semester, has the same goal in mind. She is on her way to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communication and Media.
She chose to join California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State),  based on her siblings’ success after earning their bachelor’s degrees at this university. Her experience with the Stockton Center was found to be at a convenient location as it saves her a drive to Turlock.
“I like the fact that it wasn’t confusing because it’s only one building,” Lopez said. Another benefit she enjoys is the free parking space. Although there are many benefits of being at the Stockton Center, most students are unaware of the fact that most classes here are televised, where they are watching the professor on TV from the Turlock campus.
“I had no idea my classes are going to be televised. I’m still adjusting to the system and I’m hoping that it all works out for me,” said Lopez.
The average number of students in a class at the Stockton Center can range from two to five, depending on how close a student lives to the campus. Pam Stovall has been at student at the Stockton Center since Spring 2014. She will be graduating this semester with her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communication. Pam states that it’s possible to get a bachelor’s degree entirely at the Stockton campus by attending all televised courses.
“I have taken every required Communication Studies course at the Stockton Center and every elective course either in Stockton or online,” she said.
Of course, in case of a group project, it’s inevitable to form a group with peers available in class at the Stockton Center. Students find themselves to be on the spot as they are televised at the Turlock campus, which at times can make students feel apprehensive about answering or moving around the room because it can feel as if there are constantly eyes on.  
One of things Lopez would like to see at the Stockton Center, along with many other students, is a view of the Turlock students, which they do not currently receive. As they communicate from a distance, they cannot put a face to the voice, and this may result in miscommunication. Sometimes, the camera moves with the professor and the students at the Stockton Campus can’t see the board. There are times when they happen to ask a question when the answer is posted on the board that they simply cannot see it.
Because the cameras are faced to the class and not the professor, it makes it difficult to engage in a conversation, as the professor tends to forget the class is being televised and has to be reminded by the students in Turlock that someone has a question at the Stockton Center. The professor literally stands below the camera that records the Stockton students; therefore, it makes it difficult for him/her to see their Stockton students.
“I’m used to the teacher being in front of me and this is something I’m adjusting to,” said Lopez, who’s getting herself used to the televised system at Stanislaus Stockton Center this semester.
Her tour to the Turlock campus encouraged her to take classes there in the future. Of the many resources available at the Stockton Center, students still feel that this campus needs some major improvements such having a library, a cafeteria, a tutoring center, and a bookstore.
“Even though I order books from the Turlock campus bookstore, I still have to wait for them to arrive in the mail and if we had a bookstore here, I wouldn’t have to drive to Turlock and pay a daily parking fee just to pick them up,” Lopez said.
Overall, Lopez is satisfied with the Stockton Center and she would recommend the campus to future students due to location convenience, free parking, and two computer labs. If the major improvements were to happen at this campus, it is likely that more students will be encouraged to explore the Stanislaus Stockton Center and to take classes here.