FIU maintenance needs to be taken more seriously

Elevators are always out of service; if they aren’t, they’re falling apart. | Ariana Rodriguez, PantherNOW

Ariana Rodriguez | Staff Writer

As students flock to FIU for its promising educational opportunities, they need to beware the deteriorating state of dorms, malfunctioning elevators and crumbling staircases which present a stark contrast to the university’s reputation. 

FIU must address these issues and prioritize maintenance to uphold its commitment to student well-being and safety.

The significance of maintenance is heightened at FIU due to its size and diverse student population, which includes individuals with varying mobility needs and disabilities. 

As such, maintaining a campus that is both safe and accessible is not just a matter of compliance but a reflection of FIU’s commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. 

Broken elevators could not only be an inconvenience, but a roadblock for many students.

Stairwells are essential pathways for navigating between buildings; their structural integrity is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries.| Ariana Rodriguez, PantherNOW

For students with disabilities at FIU, accessibility is not merely a convenience but a prerequisite for academic success and full participation in university life. Whether it’s navigating between classes, accessing campus facilities or engaging in extracurricular activities, students with disabilities rely on a campus environment that is free from barriers and obstacles. 

By prioritizing maintenance efforts that uphold accessibility standards, FIU ensures that these students have equal opportunities to excel and contribute to the university community. 

The safety of all individuals on campus, including students, faculty, staff and visitors, is paramount at FIU. By proactively addressing maintenance needs such as repairing infrastructure, maintaining building structures and ensuring adequate lighting, FIU creates a secure environment where everyone can feel confident and protected. 

Video courtesy from fiubarstool instagram page

In the video, it shows the exterior stairwell of the AHC 4 building at MMC crumbling in front of the person recording. This is not only deeply concerning, but underscores the grave dangers posed by neglected maintenance on university campuses. 

Such incidents represent a significant risk to the safety and well-being of everyone who steps foot on campus. Stairwells are essential pathways for navigating between buildings their structural integrity is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. 

The sight of a stairwell crumbling emphasizes the urgent need for proactive maintenance measures to prevent such occurrences.

This commitment to safety not only enhances the overall campus experience but also fosters a sense of trust and belonging within the FIU community. 

Investing in campus maintenance aligns with FIU’s broader goals of academic excellence and student success. A well-maintained campus not only enhances the learning environment but also supports recruitment and retention efforts by demonstrating FIU’s dedication to providing a high-quality educational experience. 

It also reinforces FIU’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution that prioritizes the well-being and needs of its diverse community members.

By prioritizing safety and accessibility, FIU demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence. This sets a precedent for other universities, highlighting the importance of a well-maintained campus for social responsibility.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

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