USask closes last 24-hour building citing safety concerns

According to The StarPhoenix, the University of Saskatchewan will limit access to its last 24-hour building out of concern for student safety.

Starting Monday, the university’s arts building will be closed between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

David Hannah, vice-president of student and enrolment services, says people with no connection to the university are sometimes found sleeping in the building. A student was also reportedly assaulted in the washrooms a few years ago.

Although doors will be locked at night, students who are in the building before it closes will be allowed to stay as long as they’d like.

The decision has angered many students who say the university should handle these safety concerns differently. One graduate student says this is a huge loss for those who can’t afford their own computers, Internet access or printers. The school’s student union says this is just another case of inadequate consultation.