By Victoria Cruz
Contributor
Ice near the Wilkinson Hall parking lot on Feb. 20.
Many students are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of proper snow and ice removal on campus walkways and staircases as winter weather continues.
These hazardous conditions have sparked safety and responsibility concerns.
Healthcare studies major Kenese Spence, a sophomore, shared their concerns stating: “They need to start putting more salt down. I almost slipped a few times, and there is nothing to catch yourself on.”
Many students share this same sentiment.
Despite consistent icy conditions, preventative measures like salting are not being implemented with the frequency they should be.
The stairs to Brownell Hall have become a major concern for residents and staff members.
No preventive measures are happening before or after snow storms.
Math major Nic Mahoney, a junior, and resident of the building highlighted the severity of this issue.
“The stairs at Brownell are so slippery that I sometimes need to take another route,” Mahoney said. “They haven’t not been icy in the past two weeks, and nobody has done anything about it.”
In the discussion of these stairs and walkways, it is important to note that this area specifically is maintained by private state contractors and not university facilities operations.
Despite frequent reports and requests for action from Brownell RA’s and staff, delays and oversight in maintenance persist.
Similar concerns have been raised about the stairs and area around Engleman Hall.
Facilities operations have opted to use makeshift safety measures to solve the issue while not addressing the root of the problem.
“The stairs at Engleman are a safety hazard. They put up tape, which I understand, but students are just going around it, which is fair because it is an inconvenience for them. I don’t know why they don’t just do a good job of removing the ice instead of putting tape up,” said physics major Lily Blair, a sophomore.
Failure to properly ensure student safety in slippery conditions leads students to navigate unsafe conditions daily.
Some students have proposed potential solutions to improve campus safety because of the lack of action by campus officials.
Mahoney said that there should be dedicated job positions created to solve this concern.
“I feel like they should have a job opportunity for people to put salt on the stairs and sidewalks,” Mahoney said.
Math major Liam Hourihan, a sophomore, supported this idea while emphasizing the need for on campus employment opportunities.
“What about student work? I am trying to get a job on campus. I would salt!” Hourihan said.
Some particularly high traffic walkways, like the intersection between Connecticut Hall and the new School of Business, are particularly dangerous.
Hourihan, also mentioned the treacherous walkway that students, staff and faculty must cross.
“The crosswalk can be so crazy and dangerous sometimes,” Hourihan said.
This intersection is frequently used by students who are travelling between residence halls, classes, and meals.
It is particularly treacherous after storms, due to the extremely slippery conditions and the danger posed should warrant quicker action.
Despite growing student concern, it remains to be seen whether university officials will take the necessary steps to improve safety on campus or not.
Until then, students should remain cautious while attempting to navigate campus walkways and stairs during these winter months.
