The issues surrounding student space are numerous and complicated. It is often used an umbrella term to include a number of different issues which apply to students. Issues often brought up regarding student space include student run space for clubs and other student groups, a queer centre or other designated queer positive space for students outside of the space allocated to the student groups– something which exists at other universities, including U of T and McMaster– and space given over to students for studying and group meetings.
Although the issue of student study space has been a topic for students and student representatives for some time, it is being pushed to the forefront by this year’s CSA who have organized a Student Space Sit-In to take place on Dec. 1.
The event seeks to gather as many students as possible into the University Centre to study. Tables and chairs are being set-up in visible areas in an attempt to highlight just how many students there are who require space on campus to study.
Undoubtedly anyone who has been a student at this University has, at some point in their university career, encountered issues related to finding studying space. Everyone follows the same path: start with one building, finding no room, move on to the next. Repeat until you find somewhere. For many, this simply ends with finding an empty hallway next to an outlet and sitting on the floor. Take a walk around Mackinnon or the second floor of the University Centre late in the semester for evidence.
But what can be done about this? While many of the new buildings being constructed on campus, including Alexander Hall and the Science Complex, do have a specified amount of dedicated studying space, these buildings are a minority of the buildings on campus. The majority, including most classroom buildings and the University Centre, are relics of a time in which the University boasted a much smaller student population. As the student body has grown, the amount of available space has not grown proportionately. In many cases, the buildings can’t accommodate such a large number of students simply because, when they were designed, there was no need to.
New buildings will be constructed, and they will increase the amount of space available. Some buildings will get the Alexander Hall treatment. There are efforts being made to expand the University Centre, which would create a generous amount of space. But these are long-term solutions, and this is a problem facing students now. The purpose of the Sit In is to demonstrate this and to show the administration that this is an issue which needs to be a high priority.
The CSA’s efforts to communicate this have already had some effect. The administration is making efforts to increase the amount of space available to students right now during exam time.
Aside from that, one thing that can be done is to reassess how the space currently available is being used. The CSA has struck a Student Space Committee that seeks to work on this, reworking available space to maximize its usefulness, and eventually publishing a guide for students on the space available to them.
With attention raised and peoples attention drawn to this issue, what needs to happen now is for there to be continued communication between the CSA and the administration, with both of them listening to the needs and realities of the other. But in order for the CSA to effectively communicate with the administration, there needs to be communication with students, and, while the channels exist, it is essential that students remain informed about these issues, and do their part to communicate their experiences to the CSA. They won’t be able to accomplish anything without the support and feedback of the students they’re meant to be representing.
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