There are several factors that play into the overall attractiveness of a college to incoming students. The location, cost and programs that are offered all weigh heavily in a student’s decision on where they choose to get a degree.
But even the little things can make or break a student’s decision, including a campus’ overall aesthetics.
UNK officials have shown that they pay attention to our campus’ aesthetics, all the way down to something as simple as sidewalks.
Several areas of campus have seen sidewalk installs and repairs. A new path was added by the entrance of the Fine Arts Building, and sidewalks near the Calvin T. Ryan Library were releveled to help with drainage issues.
Along with resurfacing the area in front of the Nebraskan Student Union, three new pathways were installed around the two head statues. Students walking to Mantor and Randall Hall have a more direct path back to their dorm now, as a new walkway was added in the green space.
It may seem simple to some, but our staff recognizes the impact these small fixes can have in bettering our campus.
The little things add up.
The repaired sidewalks near the library used to flood anytime the sprinklers were on or it rained. Students would have to walk around the flooded path and try not to slip in the mud accumulating nearby as they rushed to class. Our staff has witnessed this happen.
By repairing some of the sidewalks on campus, University officials have lessened the risk for other safety hazards. If left unattended for long periods of time, sidewalks are more likely to develop potholes and cracks, which are an accident waiting to happen.
Campus leaders made the right decision to wait until this semester to put in pathways around the statues in front of the Union, which were installed near the end of last spring. By waiting, naturally worn down paths were created by students. This ensured that officials were able to make the right financial decision when it came to where they installed sidewalks.
The sidewalk installed in the green space in front of the residence halls replaced an already worn down grass path as well.
Plus, keeping the pathways in good shape increases the overall appearance and aesthetics. Touring students can focus on all the good that UNK has to offer instead of being turned away by rundown facilities.
While sidewalk repairs may seem small, this act shows that our campus leaders pay attention and notice the little things. Our faith in the University’s commitment to us and our experience grows when small changes such as these are made.
