Shortly after the faculty approved the implementation of an early college program, Senate hosted a forum on Wednesday evening to give students the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback about the proposal.Around 35 people met in Boren Lounge to hear Kathy Adams, Academic Dean, and Mona Olds, Dean of Student Life, present the plan.

Adams said the pilot program next semester would likely enroll 100 students, with an additional 100 students in the 2003-2004 school year if the trial goes well. The George White House on Friendly Ave. across from Quaker Village will serve as the program’s hub.

A plethora of questions and concerns sprang from students after the introduction. Several wanted to know what services and areas of Guilford would be available to the high school students.

“We’re still negotiating what services would be available, which ones would not, and which ones would be for a fee,” Olds said. High school students would use the library and computer labs and could pay to eat in the cafeteria, she said.

Concerns raised included the inconvenience these students might bring, such as parking constraints and larger classes. Adams did not guarantee class sizes would remain what they are now.

Students also wondered if certain class discussions and topics would be appropriate with these younger pupils. Other students were unhappy because they saw the only benefit for Guilford from this as financial.

Some said that Guilford’s priorities are mixed up and that Senate holds forum on early college program it should concentrate solely on recruiting and retaining more traditional students.

A few vocal students expressed resentment that main campus students were left out of important discussions when crafting this program.

“Are we ever going to have a say in this since it directly affects our lives?” asked sophomore Megan Miller.

“We get told rather than consulted about these new things,” said sophomore Erin Walker-McMullen. “People are mad and are leaving, since we are left out.”

Adams and Olds responded to all these concerns, as did Senate president Megan Page.

“I was horrified when I first heard of this plan,” Page said. “But the more information I get, the better I feel about it.