This is our coffee machine at Beit Ha’am (the open university that sponsors the ulpan). We really have to get one of these at CSU Monterey Bay. I want one in the lobby of Building 53. There are 18 types of coffee, tea and hot chocolate dispensed for 40 cents a cup! Every day at break there is a massive demonstration of line prowess* at the machine.

I am quite serious about this. I am certain it is the kind of thing that unconciously builds student morale and would support retention. I think coffee shops and little student eateries are highly conducive to building a good atmosphere. At Ben Gurion University they have perhaps three times as many students as we do but there are ten times as many places to eat. Everywhere I go there are clumps of students sitting and happily talking or studying over their coffee or meals. It seems a no-brainer. Create an atmosphere where they want to be and they will be there. Lots of good student jobs that way as well. And good food. Soup places, salad places, falafel places, sandwich and juice places, etc.

—————
“Line Prowess” is the art of getting what you want in the minimal amount of time regardless of anyone else.икони