The recent rain last week reminded students of the huge issue that is UCA’s drainage system. 

Large puddles and flooding are frequent issues whenever Conway faces anything more than a drizzle.

Puddles are one of many infrastructure issues UCA’s students are victims of. 

Students and faculty welcomed the warmer weather after previous freezing temperatures.

Large 2-to-3-inch-deep puddles cover various areas of unlevel sidewalks across campus after a bit of rain.

Because of the high flow of pedestrian traffic, students are forced to wade through cold water or muddy their shoes.

The rain has made students aware of UCA’s unpreparedness for Arkansas weather as a whole.

After the previous weeks of rain and snow, many potholes appeared across campus roads. 

Some students hit them before the small and shabby traffic cones were put out. 

Many parts of UCA’s campus were built without Arkansas weather or functionality in mind.

The fabric pavilion over the cafeteria courtyard is a known hazard during periods of heavier precipitation, regularly having to be taped off with caution tape.

That pavilion is just one example of the campus needing to be built with inclement weather in mind.

Those living and working on campus have not only suffered from poor infrastructure outside but inside as well.

The HVAC systems in Bernard and Baridon halls are two-pipe systems, meaning the entire building can either be set to heating or cooling, not both.

This caused students in buildings with outdated HVAC systems to suffer from brutal heat starting in late October.

The HVAC system was switched to heating after one cooler week in the fall.

As most Arkansans know, the weather is unpredictable. This switch was premature.

Students’ rooms were up to 85 degrees.

The usual solutions, like turning off room heat, opening windows and running fans were unable to combat the heat that plagued students’ dorms.

After many complaints and maintenance requests, the HVAC system was finally switched back to cooling.

While the issue was eventually resolved, it shows how some parts of UCA are unprepared for various weather conditions and how its overall infrastructure does not support reasonable standards for comfort and accessibility.

While Conway’s topography is notorious for marshy conditions in the rain, there could be accommodations to our pedestrian infrastructure to make the campus more accessible.

Repaving sidewalks and filling potholes promptly is just one way to prevent property damage and student discomfort when getting around campus on a rainy day. 

At the very least, sturdy, bright orange cones should be placed in potholes — preferably before students ram into them.

Replacing outdated HVAC systems would help prevent discomfort for residents who pay thousands to live on campus.

Students deserve better indoor and outdoor environments on campus.

The most likely hindrance to solutions to these issues is funding and resources. 

Still, the comfort of the people who have to live and work here should be better reflected in budget priorities.