A diverse panel of 17 students reiterated disappointment in social aspects of Charleston but expressed overall satisfaction with their education at Eastern at a forum Thursday night.

Suggestions for more than “Lake Charleston, Eastern and Wal-Mart,” were among the main concerns of panel members. Students also voiced their desires for more businesses and either more bar alternatives or a lower-bar-entry age.

Panel members suggested alternatives such as a 24-hour restaurant, a coffee house or using the 7th Street Underground as a non-alcoholic dance club, arcade or weekend social hour.

Alison Mormino, senior political science major and Student Senate member, said she hopes the city will “attract some more business to the area to attract more students and keep the ones we already have.”

“Charleston is a great community; however, there is not much to do,” Tom Edwards, a psychology major, said.

Students said they became more involved in campus groups or found part-time jobs, because of the lack of activity in Charleston.

Though disappointed with the social aspect of Eastern, panel members expressed great appreciation and high approval for the education they receive.

Many students said they like Eastern’s small classrooms, the faculty-to-student ratio and the friendliness of the community.

Lucas Williamson, a senior accounting, AIS and business education major, said he “truly believed that the faculty was looking out for the best interests of the students” and he was impressed with the integrity and experience of his teachers.

For safety reasons, one student suggested more lighting and blue lights in every parking lot. Most students said they used the buddy system as well as the safety measures already provided on campus.

“I have night classes, and I’m not worried about walking late at night,” said Jennifer Pitner, a junior biological science major.

The panel agreed that a mutual respect between Charleston residents and students needs to be present to improve relations.

“I like the community…everywhere I go people are very friendly,” Jennifer Schultz, a senior psychology major, said. “It was kind of a culture shock but everyone has treated me with respect here even though I’m a college student.”

“Don’t let the few cases be a reflection of the whole university,” said Josh Reeley, a sophomore information systems management major.

Other concerns students addressed included safety, their need to be more informed and lack of school spirit.