Alex Kvaskov | News Editor
Featured image: Poor lighting and isolated exam locations have spooked faculty and students alike, according to a new survey administered by CUPE. | Michael Zusev
It’s not Halloween or exam season yet, but York students and faculty already feel spooked, reporting feeling unsafe during exams from isolated exam locations, poor lighting and lack of emergency phones.
To address these concerns, CUPE 3903, one of York’s faculty unions, is circulating a survey to better represent members’ concerns.
“These concerns have been brought forward to the CUPE 3903 Joint Health and Safety Committee, or JHSC, in the past and are now being discussed again. York is willing to participate in these conversations at the JHSC level and the registrar’s office is part of the conversation,” says Tanya Da Sylva of CUPE 3903 JHSC.
“Our members often note that their students share many of the same concerns regarding exam space and we encourage students to make their safety concerns known to their course directors, department heads and student representatives as well,” adds Da Sylva.
Fourth-year communication studies student Diana Edelhauser says concerns about remote exam locations is evidence of York students’ and staff’s need for coddling.
“I would understand poor quality of rooms concerning safety, but the distance complaint I really can’t get behind. It’s a big campus and at no point are we promised proximity in terms of exams,” says Edelhauser.
Barbara Joy of York media says that York takes the safety of students on campus very seriously and has invested in new technologies and programs to strengthen campus safety and reportedly poor lighting conditions.
“Maintenance electricians monitor lighting frequently and tour the campus daily to identify dark areas. GoSAFE staff also perform regular lighting checks and audits. Audit summaries are posted on the website,” says Joy.
“During the fall and winter exam periods when it gets dark, an ‘exam shuttle’ is provided to and from the Aviva Centre. Additionally, goSAFE staff are available at any time to accompany students with safety concerns,” she adds.
The Department of Community Safety conducts safety audits and does safety planning for the York community. They would like to hear from any individuals or organizations within York who have concerns about safety during exams or at any other time of the year, according to Joy, while
Community Safety staff are available to work with individuals and organizations to develop safety plans to address any concerns.
You know what, I’m very much inclnied to agree.