Longfellow wrote, “The best thing one can do when it rains is let it rain.” John Brown doesn’t buy it. He said the best thing to do is to fix the leaky roof.

Southwestern College’s Student Center has not been giving visitors shelter from the storm in recent months due to a roof that lets a little rain in sometimes. Like most cases of a glass ceiling, this one is a tough fix.

“It is not like someone can walk up there and patch it,” said Aaron Starck, director of student development and health services. “We’re dealing with what we have to at this point.”

Starck recently inherited the problem when he switched places with Arlie Ricasa, who has been indicted for multiple felonies in the South Bay Corruption Case. The roof has been leaking since 2008.

Oldcastle Glass Engineered Products was hired to repair the roof, but college administrators are having trouble getting any previous contractors to take responsibility. In order to continue repairs the administration is meeting with the contractor to go over the latest incident of leaks said Brown, SWC’s director of facilities.

Brown said the leaks are due to glass panels that are not snug against each other.

“Maintenance, on each occasion, contacts the vendor who sends a representative out to go on the roof and find any gaps or cracks and repairs,” he said.

In addiction to leaking, the roof is suffering from “fiber bloom” which caused yellowing and darkening of the panels. Brown said the college’s position is that the roof is under warranty and the original contractor is responsible for repairs.

Brown, who was hired after the completion of the Student Center, said there was that an out-of-court settlement he needs to review before he can proceed with repairs.

SWC President Dr. Melinda Nish said the college is working toward a solution.

“I am aware of warranty issues, ” she said. “We clearly have some issues with that roof and my understanding is that we’ve had some issues since when it was done.”

Some students said they are upset that raindrops keep falling on their heads.

“The roof needs to be fixed, right now,” said Amanda Shelton. “I have been hanging out at the Student Center for three semesters now and every time it rains, puddles are created and signs are posted, but no repairs have been made.”

Students may not be singing in the rain, but Brown assured them warm, dry days are ahead—rain or shine.