From what I understand, the Student Union is meant as a body to represent the students before the university’s chairs of departments as well as the president.
As such, I would like to lodge a complaint that hopefully the Student Union can bring up at the next set of meetings.
The first is the lack of parking options and high prices of parking passes. I understand that this is harder to pull off considering the lack of overall space and increase in student numbers. However, many students, including those who live in Res, cannot help but notice that those visiting the Market on the weekends take up Res parking, and do so for free. We understand that this would involve the City, but considering the parking fees students have to pay, this is unacceptable.
The second and biggest point that I have discussed with other students is the fact that there are not enough IP addresses to fit all of the students on Panthernet; something we all pay for within our $730/semester student fees. This is unacceptable and could be fixed faster than the parking lot issue. UPEI students would like to access internet to do their work, but many simply cannot. I myself cannot write an honours thesis in these conditions; conditions that I along with everyone else pay for.
The issue of internet does not only reach students. Many classes and professors simply cannot use it since it does not reach them; thus hindering their class plans and teachings.
I nor anyone else are not accusing the SU of these issues. These are budgeting and IT issues that are at the core of the UPEI management. However, as the SU, several professors, students, and myself, implore you to bring these concerns into question. We implore you to fight for our right to basic internet access and better parking conditions.
We understand that much is in the way; mostly bureaucracy and budgeting concerns. However, UPEI was more than happy to renovate the Wave into the Fox & Crow. This was a successful endeavor; the changes are excellent and the menu great. However, we all know why UPEI made this tactical move; because a revamped pub brings money. Fixing internet does not.
As a student of five years, I love this university. It has given me many good lessons, memories and friends. However, myself and many others cannot sit quietly as conditions worsen for the average student; especially those that dare to enter an Arts degree. Engineering gets a beautiful new building, students get a new pub, but few can do their research or work on the internet they paid for or find a parking spot they paid for.
In sum, we know bureaucracy. We understand the time these things take. But please, please help us improve these simple matters. I and many others want to enjoy our last few years here. Please, voice the concerns of UPEI students, the people who should be the university’s top concerns.
By: Mariah D.
Photo by: UPEI
This article belongs to The Cadre’s opinion section. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Cadre.