Are we in a Toxic Relationship With our University?

Two students jockey for parking in the Alexander lot on the morning of Sept. 18. (PC: Ian Murphy)

Walking around this campus I tend to think about why I continually give my tuition and extra money to Elmhurst University. Whether it be the lack of parking lots, outdated dorm halls, or lackluster food options, there are too many problems to count sometimes.

Despite this, EU still finds a way to bring us back in with their homecoming events, pop-up events on the mall and around campus, and just the everyday experiences of being in college.

One prime example of this is waking at 7:30 in the morning and hearing lawnmowers, leaf-blowers, and trash being taken to the dumpster. I get that this does need to happen, but in my mind, doesn’t it make more sense to do this while students are in classes? I know it’s unfair to unilaterally demand Facilities Management to halt all work until classes are in session, but I would think EU’s own maintenance department would have a more organizational mind to plan these events accordingly.

This school, and more specifically higher ups, including our president, need to get better in their messaging to their students. Recent communications to students and staff about immigration enforcement provided only basic guidelines instead of actual actions EU will take to combat these attacks on our education and student body.

Most of our dorms do not have air conditioning, which makes it hard to live during the spring through early fall months. EU even offered students the ability to “sleep-over” in Founder’s Lounge at the beginning of fall semester last year and the year previous.

It seems like every dorm always has problems with at least one of their washers or dryers. While it is nice that we are provided with free to use machines, it should be able to work better for the students who live on campus.

Even after submitting a work order, when somebody does eventually arrive, workers can be curt and accusatory toward students, blaming them for the issue. Washing machines should be designed to wash a full load of clothes and air conditioners should be able to cool the air when it is hot outside.

While these problems may seem minimal, we are the ones who are paying for these services so we should expect a little bit better from the services on our campus. I truly believe this institution can change and become a university that works for the students and not just to bring in money.