by Michele Reese
TYLER (KYTX) - When the school bell rings in August, students at Tyler Junior College will see big changes.
"We want it to be as inviting internally in terms of climate as facilities are," said Tyler Junior College President Dr. Michael Metke.
The lush landscaping has been transformed into a new security feature.
"Where students would sit on the ledge, we've made it into a flower garden," TJC Director of Public Services Thomas Johnson said, as he pointed to an area outside the Student Center.
The garden is part of a program called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
"We took the azaleas, which were about ten feet high, down so you can see over them," Johnson said. "The video cameras up there now, they can see all over."
200 high-tech video cameras have also been added. The cameras will feed images back to a control room, so students and their activities can be monitored.
And, that's not all. Students, faculty and staff will also have to wear I.D. badges.
"It will allow police now to ask, 'can we help you,' if you're not wearing one, so we can keep non-students off campus," Johnson said.
Dr. Metke said it's non-students who have been an issue in the past.
"They did a drug bust here, turned out 5 out of the 6 were non-students."
Student like the changes. "I feel a lot safer," TJC student Stephanie Taylor said.
"When I came here I'm kind of worried about safety and I think its a great move they made," TJC student Rachel Baber said. But, it's not the only move the school has made.
Starting August 1st, the school will also be smoke free, and students will be asked to "dress for success."
"We want to help advise and coach our students that your physical appearance does matter for your future," Dr. Metke said. Students will also see new metal tables throughout the campus to encourage study groups.
They're small changes with one big goal. Said Dr. Metke, "We wanted to make it East Texas friendly."
