By: Katelyn Shaw

Have you ever woken up and wanted a coffee? You either made a coffee or ended up with no coffee at all.

Campus lacks a convenient place to grab a good cup of coffee or a quick snack. Having a coffee shop on campus would be great for student life. Not only would it provide a much-needed source of caffeine, but it would also provide a place for students to hang out with their friends and meet new students. President Moore said “We definitely need one if, for no other reason, it would be another space for people to gather, not just students but faculty and staff, so we’re way open to the idea, and we’ve been talking about it.”

Having a cozy place to relax with your friends with coffee and snacks at your fingertips would significantly enhance the WVWC campus experience, especially during the winter months when students miss their families and itching to return home. A coffee shop is a place for community and social engagement for students. 

WVWC wouldn’t even have to build a new building for a coffee shop. There is always an empty room downstairs in the campus life building; why not put one there? The campus would make money from this investment. There would be students in the coffee shop every day wanting to order a coffee or snack. President Moore said, “That is the perfect spot, and again, we are having those discussions about bringing somebody in to give us that option.” 

Staffing wouldn’t be an issue because of the fantastic work-study program at WVWC. Work-study program positions can sometimes be on the boring side and can be monotonous when students are in them for more than one year. Students in the work program would jump at the chance to work at a coffee shop on campus. A coffee shop would provide the student workers with a fun job where they could socialize and have a hands-on job. President Moore said “I love the idea of students getting involved in administering a coffee shop. I also would love for us to think a little bit more about what other sorts of opportunities there are for students to get employment experience here on campus because I think we have a lot to learn from you guys.” 

A coffee shop is not just a luxury. It’s a necessity. It would provide a community and a crucial space for students, faculty, and staff to connect and recharge. President Moore said, “ I think we will put something in there in the very near future that you guys will enjoy.” 

WVWC needs this “vision” to be a reality. Demand is high, and the opportunity is available, so why not take it? 

Photo by Katelyn Shaw