Every college campus is supposed to feel alive, a place where students not only attend classes, but also connect in their community. However at Los Medanos College, campus life can feel quiet and disconnected.
From my experience, one major issue is the low student participation. While activities are being organized, many students do not attend. But this raises an important question: Is the problem really the students? Or, is it how the events are planned?
Many activities at LMC feel repetitive. It is common to see the same setups, cotton candy, photo booths and similar attractions appearing again and again. While these can be fun at first, they quickly lose their appeal when there is little variety. As a result, students may feel there is nothing new to look forward to.
It also seems that the same group of students consistently attend events. Instead of reaching a wider audience, activities often attract those who are already involved in campus life. This creates a cycle where participation remains limited and community does not expand.
Even when LMC offers something different, such as the Art Gallery, attendance remains low. The gallery regularly features new exhibits, yet most visitors are art students or those interested in the subject. This suggests the issue is not a lack of events, but a lack of outreach.
The lack of awareness extends to other areas, including sporting events. Many students are unaware of sporting events happening on campus.
After speaking with a member of the MESA Club, it became clear that the issue is more complex. Club members said attracting students can be difficult, partly due to a limited campus presence. More importantly, organizing events requires navigating multiple approvals, which can discourage students from putting in the effort to plan activities.
There is also a lack of communication between students, staff and clubs. Fewer students are joining clubs, making it harder to organize large, more engaging events and further reducing participation.
This issue goes beyond entertainment — it impacts student success. According to “Inside Higher Ed” students who do not participate in campus activities are more likely to drop out. Involvement helps create a sense of belonging, which is important for retention.
However, students are not uninterested. When events are creative and well-planned, participation increases. For example, the Studio Ghibli Anime Cafe hosted by the Kapwa Club in fall 2025 drew large crowds. Students dressed in cosplay, enjoyed themed food and participated in activities, creating a lively atmosphere.
Timing also played a role. The event was held from 2 to 5 p.m., when many students were available, allowing for higher attendance.
LMC has the potential to build a more active campus through greater variety, creativity and collaboration. Improving communication, scheduling and simplifying event planning would encourage more participation.
Ultimately, students want to feel connected to their campus. But for that to happen, LMC must offer experiences that are engaging, accessible and worth showing up for.
