Outdated facilities like the Mackenzie and Steacie buildings are becoming increasingly difficult to work, teach, and study in. While age is one major factor in this, poor maintenance is another.
The university administration must take stock of its facilities and make sure they are performing to their highest degree. If they aren’t, then they must ask, “Why are they in this position?” Followed quickly by “How do we fix it?” Tackling these questions is a necessity for a rapidly expanding campus.
The administration must take the lead on this—not professors or students. A proactive stance would improve both the image of the school and the attitude of those who work here everyday. Feeling welcome in a comfortable work space is key to creating the positive environment for learning and research that Carleton prides itself on having.
Students and professors should be expected to give it their best in the classroom but often, their best is impossible if the facilities where they work are falling apart. The Tory Building is not in crisis yet but could be if the neglect continues.
Not all buildings are created equal on campus but they should all be taken care of. Why is Carleton spending money on construction projects when it isn’t maintaining some of the buildings it already has?
The university needs to create a plan that will ensure the buildings of yesteryear are on par with the buildings of tomorrow.
