Amid maintenance woes, uncovering whether students still see the CSI weight room as a cherished privilege.

By Yasmine Awad

While CUNY students have free access to the CSI weight room, its current condition might deter some from using it.

As CUNY students, we want to have pride in showcasing the array of services our school has to offer. Whether it’s the extensive school library and cafe, the lively game room and movie room in building 1C, or the weight room, we want to show off all the great privileges we have for attending this school. However, unfortunately there’s not much to draw attention to when the quality of these benefits aren’t maintained to a high standard.  

During my Sophomore year of college, I was excited to finally gain some college experience after the quarantine regulations were lifted. I had heard from my classmates about the weight room available to all students and looked forward to experiencing one of the few amenities the school had to offer. After all, spending time in the gym is my form of therapy—and who wouldn’t want free therapy after a 4 hour long lecture? 

After finally finding the time to visit the CSI weight room, I was disappointed at the fact that my expectations weren’t met in the slightest. Having heard accounts from students at other campuses, I entered the CSI weight room with expectations set based on comparisons. The discrepancy between what I had hoped for and what I found left me disappointed. 

From the sticky handles on all of the equipment to the unswept floors, the signs of the CSI weight rooms’ poor maintenance are glaringly evident. The corners are piled high with dust bunnies, and broken machines remain unfixed for months on end. It’s disheartening to witness such neglect, highlighting a concerning lack of attention to the weight room’s maintenance. 

I believe our efforts would be better directed towards enhancing the weight room to its fullest potential, rather than solely focusing on advertising its availability to students. Personally, I’d prefer the weight room to be temporarily closed for improvements, ensuring a higher quality experience. I believe investing in the quality of the weight room would not only benefit current students but also attract future ones.

Unfortunately, due to the budget constraints our school is dealt with, requesting a complete remodeling of the weight room isn’t necessarily feasible. Moreover, renovation isn’t a solution that can promptly address the needs of students. However, there are still steps that can be taken to address maintenance issues and make incremental improvements within our means. 

The CSI weight room should ideally feature at least two designated cleaning stations, strategically placed for convenience and restocked daily. These stations would offer essential cleaning products such as disinfectant wipes, paper towels, hand sanitizer, along with a broom and dustpan. Implementing this setup would empower students to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, complementing the efforts of the building’s janitorial staff rather than solely relying on them.

Furthermore, students should have a direct means of contacting the administration specifically responsible for the weight room. This would enable students to voice their suggestions and concerns regarding equipment and maintenance, empowering them to play a proactive role in improving these facilities. 

Encouraging open communication between students and a dedicated contact person for the weight room is essential for ensuring a smoothly operated weight room service and would foster a collaborative environment where student feedback is valued and acted upon promptly. Instead of overlooking broken machines, students can report issues promptly, leading to quicker repairs and a safer environment. Moreover, addressing concerns about safety regarding equipment like the dumbbell rack would prioritize the well-being of students, fostering a more conducive and secure workout environment.