Alabama State University has a proud history of excellence and resilience, but the state of our campus facilities is unacceptable. Students should not have to endure outdated, unsafe and inaccessible conditions while paying thousands of dollars each semester. From dormitories to classrooms, our campus infrastructure is failing us, and it is time for change.
One of the most pressing concerns is the condition of our dormitories. Students are forced to live in buildings with mold, unreliable hot water and dysfunctional heating and cooling systems. This is not only inconvenient but also a serious health risk. Additionally, many campus buildings suffer from basic security and privacy issues. Restroom doors do not close or lock properly, and tissue rolls hang from coat hangers instead of being placed in dispensers. How can we focus on our education when even our most basic needs are not met?
The state of some dormitories has reached an almost unbelievable level of disrepair. One stairway in a dormitory flooded so badly that students could literally stand there with an umbrella and rain boots. How is this acceptable? Students should not have to wade through water just to access their living spaces.
Classrooms are no better. Many are filthy, filled with broken desks, and lack the technology needed for modern learning. The Student Life conference room is barely functional due to poor lighting. It is almost impossible to foster leadership and collaboration when our meeting spaces are inefficient. Elevators across campus are consistently malfunctioning, shaking or out of service entirely. This is not just inconvenient; it is dangerous. Worse yet, it is 2025, and the university still lacks adequate accessibility for students with disabilities. Automatic door buttons do not work, ramps are either missing or ineffective, and entryways are difficult to navigate. This is unacceptable. Accessibility should be a given, not a privilege.
Security is another major issue. The identification scanners at dorm entrances frequently fail, forcing students to leave doors propped open, putting safety at risk. Worse yet, students’ vehicles are constantly being broken into, adding another layer of stress and insecurity. The lack of proper surveillance and campus security measures leaves students vulnerable, making it clear that safety is not being prioritized as it should be.
Another frustrating issue is the terrible Wi-Fi quality across campus. Internet connectivity is a necessity for students to complete assignments, access online resources and stay connected. Yet, the university’s network is unreliable, making even the simplest tasks difficult. To make matters worse, the app that students are required to use for washing and drying clothes only works properly when the Wi-Fi is turned off. How does that make sense? What about students who do not have a phone carrier plan and rely solely on campus Wi-Fi? They are left struggling to perform basic daily tasks due to unreliable connectivity. In a digital age, students should not have to battle internet issues to succeed.
Even our health center, a critical facility for student well-being, is in an appalling state. It always appears to be on the verge of collapsing, even before the recent flooding. How can students be expected to trust their health care services when the building itself is deteriorating? This is a serious concern that affects not just convenience but the overall safety and well-being of the student body.
Additionally, outdoor spaces meant for students to gather and relax are just as neglected. Many of the sitting areas around campus consist of broken benches and faulty tables, offering little to no comfort for students who need a place to study, socialize or take a break in between classes.
Should I discuss the cafeteria conditions … again? The ice cream machine and ice machine are constantly out of order. This may sound minor to some, but this inconvenience is part of a larger issue. This “minor” inconvenience leaves students with fewer food and drink options, those that we barely have. This “minor” inconvenience shows the lack of proper maintenance and responsiveness from the administration. These recurring problems highlight a pattern of neglect that we students are forced to endure for far too long. We pay for meal plans, yet we are not receiving the quality of variety or taste we deserve.
Everything on campus is a struggle. We pay to park but deal with insufficient parking spots and poor pavement conditions. We pay to attend this institution, yet we are met with constant inconveniences and neglected maintenance. Prices keep increasing, but improvements are nowhere to be seen.
It is embarrassing to invite other institutions and organizations to our campus. How many events have been canceled because we simply do not have the resources or proper facilities to host them? The university is supposed to be a beacon of progress, a place where history is made. Yet, if these issues continue to be ignored, the university risks stagnation—or worse, irrelevance.
Students should not have to tolerate these conditions, and we demand better. Making the best of a bad situation should not mean accepting the unacceptable. It is time for real action, real investment and real change. If the university truly values its students, it must prove it by prioritizing the facilities we rely on every day. The future of our institution depends on it.