With light of new advancements in Roanoke College, such as the announced renovation of Crawford Hall and the continued progress of the Shaun McConnon Discovery Center, it is a time for new beginnings on campus.
With these exciting advancements come many concerns raised by the student body. Most of these concerns are about parking issues. Students complain that parking on campus has become a harder and more frustrating process with recent developments.
Students also express that better lighting is needed throughout campus. An anonymous student reported “I personally don’t feel safe walking alone across campus at night. I usually keep someone on the phone to ensure that I have a safety net in case something were to happen.”
Many street lights lining campus walkways and parking lots do not work, and many flicker constantly. There are also places on campus that do not have street lights and walking in those areas is dangerous.
As Crawford Hall undergoes renovations beginning this summer, residence halls made from single-use shipping containers will be constructed “at the tennis courts and parking lot near Hawthorn Road” according to an email from the Vice President of Student Success, Dr. Jay Ellison earlier this semester.
While the decision made by the Roanoke College Board of Trustees to renovate residence halls is appreciated and highly anticipated, students cannot help but be worried about the parking displacement this will cause. The question remains as to where the fleet of Roanoke College vans and vehicles will be moved to as this renovation takes place.
Members of the Student Government Association (SGA) have been made aware of the numerous parking and safety issues students face and plan to work towards a solution. As always, SGA is open for all students to attend and voice concerns. In addition, the Brackety-Ack allows submissions of your own opinion, and it is a great way to bring awareness to issues faced across campus.
Kara Hopkins
Staff Reporter
