As the temperatures drop and ice accumulates, students and teachers are finding it increasingly difficult not to slip and fall during their commute across campus.
“Unfortunately, not all storms are made alike, and we do our best to keep the campus as safe as we can,” said Jim Bryan, landscape superintendent with Landscape Services. “We always have two people on call. The campus police call us and let us know areas that need attention and then we go from there to take care of those areas.”
However, Bryan said he also welcomes reports of bad spots on campus from students.
“We greatly appreciate any and all feedback students can give us when it comes to the safety on campus,” Bryan said. “It’s our job.”
Bryan said “watching where you are stepping” can help you stay safe.
Although many precautions are taken, not all of campus can be covered.
“All I can do is tell my students to be careful and take their time walking from class to wherever they are going,” said Susan Poorman, a lecturer in the Department of Communication. “I even found myself slipping a little, but especially where there is shade before 9 a.m. I find it the worst – you just have to be careful.”
Students who travel around campus later in the day can find themselves in a similar situation.
“It wasn’t even raining in the morning, it was later in the day when I slipped and fell,” said junior music education major Omar Colón. “When the water melts and then refreezes later on in the day it can be just as dangerous.”
Story: NINA MASTANDREA, Intern News Reporter