Courtyard Closed, thermostats turned down
By Maggie Rhynes and JJ Ossola
IV Leader Staff
With temperatures dropping and energy prices souring,
Illinois Valley Community College has been forced to make winter-time changes in
hopes of conserving energy and keeping heating costs down.
The most noticed change has been the closing of the
courtyard. The courtyard doors have been locked from the inside until March 1,
frustrating some students and leave others wondering what all the fuss is about.
Shannon Carillo, an IVCC student said, "For me it doesn't
cause a problem, I just walk around the building to get to my classes. I've
heard people complaining about it though; mostly smokers because now the
courtyard is now out of bounds to smoke."
Closing the courtyard to smoking has left smokers with less space to light up.
Currently the only designated smoking areas are near the front entrance and just
outside the cafeteria.
For one smoker though, the problem isn't that big, "I guess
it really doesn't matter, and I am no later to class because of it. I haven't
heard people complaining a lot either, well, maybe just a little." Rachel
Verchiman said.
Jerry Corcoran said when the request from the governor came
to keep energy costs down he didn't have a problem with closing up the
courtyard, "I am very proud of our facility and we have put a great deal of time
and money into developing the interconnectivity of the campus. Closing the
courtyard should cause a minimum of inconvenience."
Still, some students are unhappy with the closure, "I think
it's really stupid for the campus to close and lock the doors to the courtyard.
I've already heard about someone propping open the door with their book bag in
order to go outside and smoke with out getting left out. If the college is
really worried about conserving heat, they're going in the wrong direction."
Joanie Carpenter said.
Ken Sangston, director of safety services says door propping and smoking in
undesignated areas will result in a warning, followed by the confiscation of the
student's ID and a suspension of student services including use of the library
and student activity benefits, such as free admission to athletic events.
The courtyard closure shouldn't pose any difficulties in the
event of an emergency, as the doors allow people to exit, just not enter.
Another change taking place at IVCC is the setting on the thermostats. All state
funded buildings, IVCC included, are to keep thermostats set at 69, which is
three degrees lower than previous winters. Staff and students are advised to
dress accordingly.