UHCL needs covered walkways to go up as rain comes down
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is on 524 acres that consists of both wildlife and academic facilities. Within this abundant acreage, more than 8,000 domestic and international students attend the university yearly, accompanied by more than 500 members of faculty, numerous employees and visitors. With such a significant amount of property and large amount individuals that attend the university on a daily basis, one would think that the facility would cater to the wellbeing of the students, personnel and visitors.
However, UHCL has yet to acknowledge and create a solution to the dangerous amount of precipitation and heat that is affecting individuals as they make his/her way around campus. Installing covered walkways would solve UHCL’s grueling issue of walking in weather conditions, while ensuring the contentment of UHCL’s students, personnel and visitors.
The first issue among UHCL is the abundance of rainfall vs the lack of shelter and coverage for the reoccurring downpours. In fact, my homework from two semesters ago is still wet due to the downpour that arose when walking from the Student Services Building to the Bayou Building. In addition, I cannot imagine how a professor feels while lecturing his/her class in soaking wet clothes. In all honesty, an individual wearing soaking wet clothes throughout a three-hour lecture, in a 69-degree classroom, can be bleak to say the least.
Another issue concerns the immense amount of heat that transmits onto an individual’s body as he/she travels around campus. In fact, the Texas heat is the main culprit for many women on campus’ makeup melting off before their afternoon classes. Also, I believe that one’s body odor invading he/she’s nostrils throughout their daily class schedule is embarrassing, to say the least.
A solution to these issues is simple and necessary in order to ensure that UHCL attendees do not fall victim to Clear Lake’s climate. Concrete covered walkways between all buildings on campus are key in ensuring the livelihood of the UHCL students and personnel. Furthermore, the solution of constructing covered walkways between the main buildings and the parking lot is not only necessary but essential.
Covered walkways are normal features within many environments. San Jacinto College even bestows their student body with the luxury of having shelter amidst the Texas heat and random downpours. Since UHCL became a four-year university, one would think it would result in them being far more advanced than San Jacinto College. However, San Jacinto College easily surpasses UHCL with their weather condition accommodations.
In the end, the fancy technology in the SCCB, convenient Starbucks in the Patio Café and events held in the atriums are enjoyable. However, UHCL should recognize their campus’ one true need for covered walkways between buildings. The forecast for UHCL’s future should include a safe, cool and dry walkway for all to enjoy for many years to come.
