By Chyna Nguyen

Glenville State University campus is positioned on a mountain, making walking around campus a difficult task for most. It is well-known throughout the student body, staff members, and even visitors that this campus is not an easy one to traverse. Whether you're heading to class, grabbing food at the Mollohan, or just trying to get from one place to another, the steep terrain can be a challenge. 

However, there are two primary ways to navigate the campus: the hills and the routes. While the hills offer the advantage of speed and efficiency, they can be physically demanding and difficult for those with mobility challenges. On the other hand, the campus’s network of routes, though not widely known or commonly used, provides a more accessible and energy-conserving alternative. These routes are generally more beneficial for accessibility, time efficiency, and conserving energy, especially when you need to get places quickly and efficiently. 

The first to be addressed is going to be the hill side of the spectrum. The majority of the hill is a straight walk up aside from the buildings and the staircases that come up every now and then. But even with all of this, the hills provide some good benefits to use rather than the routes. The first advantage of using the hill is that for much of it, there are handrails which are helpful when it comes to catching oneself in case of tripping or falling. They can also help you pull yourself up with your upper body when your legs are tired.

Another benefit of using the hill is physical exercise. While it may seem daunting, walking the hill is great exercise for your lower body, back, and core. The last advantage to using the hill over using the routes would be the scenic side of campus. Although walking up and down the hill can be difficult, there is almost always a good view to see when you reach the top. 

While there are some ups to using the hills, there are also downs. The first point is for those who have mobility issues. The campus is a challenge for those with disabilities or limited mobility. While the campus has Americans with Disability Act accomodations such as automatic doors, motion-sensor lights, and elevators, the hills themselves cannot be outfitted that way. Even where railings exist, they are often rusty, wobbly, or just plain icy or wet in the weather. The handrails around Goodwin Hall have been reported as a particular example.

And since we mentioned it, the weather. In Glenville, as in Morton Salt shakers, when it rains, it pours. In the winter, snow follows suit and ice follows snow. All of this makes the campus difficult to walk. Everything becomes slippery, especially sidewalks and staircases. Some of this is caused by drainage problems, some by late maintenance, and some by the plain fact that it is winter and rain, snow, and ice are dangerous.

Even in good weather, the physically fit members of the campus community struggle some with the steep surfaces. For those with limited mobility or disabilities, it is a much bigger struggle. We've all seen people on campus using canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and electric carts. Even temporary disabilities like athletic injuries create a barrier and a burden. Strugglilng up and down the hills and stairways on campus is draining physically and emotionally. Those people have more trouble getting to and from class on time, accessing the food service, and participating in activities. The unreliability of the campus elevators is no help either. 

So, you ask, what is the difference between the hills and the routes? The hills are simply heading straight up the roads and sidewalks, around the buildings, and to your destination. But if you're clever and want to avoid some of the strain, there are routes you can take:

• From Goodwin to the Mollohan, you can take the third floor exit from the dorm. That puts you on the fitness level of the Mollohan. From there, you can either go in the building and take the stairs, or take the walk around to the second level entrance.
• From AB to the Mollohan, take the AB/LBH elevator to the third floor. Follow the now-deserted hallway around to the exit by the cemetary. Turn left and pass the Clark Hall lawn. From there, you can choose to walk up the hill and around past the president's house or take the staircase down behind the Science Hall.
• From the Mollohan to the Fine Arts Building, you have to put your faith in the shuttle.
• To get the RFK Library, we recommend hitchhiking with a friend who owns a car.