Friday, March 6, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Opinion

Skip the elevator, head for the stairs

Teri Robinson

TeriwebThe constant reminder of the elevators in High Rise breaking is nothing new.

Students who currently live in the High Rise dorms and those who have previously lived there all endured the same problem with the elevators.

Throughout the year one, or both elevators can be broken forcing students to use the stairs.

The problem occurs when the staircases get locked at night forcing students to use the one working elevator. Currently housing and High Rise authorities have come up with a short-term solution.

A student sits in front of an elevator, holding her head in her hands. The elevators in High Rise work on and off, leaving students to wonder when they’ll break down next. —Photo by Ashley Swanson
A student sits in front of an elevator, holding her head in her hands. The elevators in High Rise work on and off, leaving students to wonder when they’ll break down next. —Photo by Ashley Swanson

“The east door by the C-store closes at 10 p.m. and the lobby door stay open 24 hours,” Director of Housing Sherrie Simons said.

The door in the lobby area is open 24 hours for easier access to students living on the lower level floors who wish to walk up the stairs instead of wait for the elevator. The east staircase door still opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m.

Some students have come up with ideas to open the staircases as well. One idea was to add the key fob system from dorm buildings to both the staircases. Simons stated that, though it may be a good idea, it is costly.

“We are looking at going toward the key card entry,” Simons said.

The key cards will be added sometime in the future for numerous uses around campus.

This process is still in the beginning stages and will not be available in the near future. The biggest worry with the lobby stairs staying open is the safety. Until both elevators work this is the best solution.

“When the elevator works again, both staircases will be locked from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.,” Simons said.

The extension on the staircases being open will hopefully help with the traffic and alleviate the use of the elevators.

I have not lived in High Rise, but having friends who do, I still deal with the problems of having an elevator down. Instead of focusing on why the elevator is broken and complaining, there is finally an answer.

I encourage students to take advantage of the staircases being open. It is faster than stopping on every floor and you get exercise.

It’s a win for everyone.