Though most students won't take up snowplowing positions this winter, University Facilities could certainly use the help. In a city where snow removal is practically a science by necessity, UB workers are fully equipped to clear roads and walkways on blustery days, but not every area can be plowed when a storm hits.
"There is a distinct pattern for removal, which follows a basic flow, starting with roadways, then parking lots, then sidewalks and paths," said Louis Schmitt, director of facilities operations, which has over 50 pieces of snow removal equipment totaling $2 million to go with a 40-person staff. "But it takes six to eight hours to get through an entire run of our set clearing routine, which means everything can't be done all at once."
Despite the limitations, many students continue to voice concerns over unsafe conditions each winter.
"Although the university roads seem better than other roads in Buffalo, UB does take too long to salt roads," said Megan Noyes, a junior biology and anthropology major. "I spun my car out by the Center for Tomorrow just a few weeks ago, and that wasn't even snow, it was icy rain."
While many students and faculty members may gripe about UB keeping up with the snow, officials said the fact is that surviving the snow needs to be a combined effort for safe and successful commuting.
"We try very hard to maintain the roads and paths of UB as best we can, but the simple fact is we live in Buffalo, and there is an individual responsibility for students and staff," Schmitt said.
Grounds personnel constantly survey campus for trouble areas, but officials suggest that students need to act when confronted with unsafe conditions. Providing input to facilities by phone is an effortless task that can greatly improve campus-plowing conditions.
"Students that run into problem areas when on campus should voice their concern immediately by calling extension 71 from an academic building phone or 645-2025 if calling from your cell. The input is greatly welcomed," said John Hayes, assistant director of buildings and grounds.
Resorting to everyday safety precautions can be as simple as a change of shoes.
"We all live in Buffalo during the school year, and it should be a given that people should wear reasonable footwear," Hayes said.
Hayes said he believes that students utilizing tougher sneakers or snow boots would complement the 2,500 tons of salt used each year to improve path and sidewalk conditions at UB.
Some students said they make the effort to endure winter conditions but still have a tough time.
"I still have problems whether I'm wearing sneakers or boots, especially on the weekends walking from the Union to Alumni to exercise," said Caitlin Lee, an American studies major. "Sure, not wearing heels helps, but boots still slip and sneakers still get wet."
While some suggestions are a personal preference, residence hall overnight parking lot plowing requires complete cooperation in order to be successful.
Facilities officials decide which residence hall lots are to be plowed and at what time. When decisions are made, students are e-mailed to request the overnight evacuation of the lot. Students are not forced to leave the designated lot and although tickets are not issued for non-cooperation, the lot condition can be adversely affected if students do not move their vehicles.
"The more cooperation from students, the safer and clearer lot conditions will be, so students should care and comply with the request," Schmitt said.
Aside from personal and facilities responsibilities, the Office of Disability Services is another integral part of snow removal.
The office gives everyone with a disability a chance to communicate their schedule in order to keep these high priority paths salted and plowed.
"We don't actually salt the sidewalks, but we do provide valuable input to facilities," said Randall Borst, director of Disability Services.
Along with providing safe passage for those with disabilities, giving more attention to plowing on campus brings an overall safer environment, affecting each and every student. Though snow has not come in abundance this year, so far, Borst said he is very content with the joint efforts of his office and facilities.
"We have had no snow-related incidents as of yet this year, which is an accomplishment across the board for all who are involved," he added.
On a personal note, Borst is partially blind, giving him a valuable insight to university snow conditions for the handicapped.
"Personally I'm very satisfied with the overall effort of snow removal," Borst said. "During the times it has snowed, campus conditions have been the best I've seen in the few past years."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
