After hearing complaints about the safety conditions of the elevator in Long Hall, Michael Davis, vice president of business affairs, decided that it was time to clear up anything that may have caused students to fear the elevator. Davis said that the elevator in Long Hall is safe, and that the University would never put anything into operation that could be of harm to its students.

“After an inspector thoroughly checked the elevator, he explained to us that it is safe,” Davis said.

“The elevator is just old and needs some working on.”

Davis explained that in the incident regarding the most recent elevator breakdown, there was a shortage in one of the wires. The elevator is set not to run at full speed, and the wire shortage caused it to speed up to its maximum speed and overshoot the eighth floor slightly. He explained that there are safety devices that prohibit the elevator from “falling” or overshooting the floors too much.

“There is no indication that the elevator dropped two floors,” Davis said. “There are devices on the elevator that were put there to prohibit things like that from happening.”

Davis said students should not fear the elevator or its possible falling.

“You never know when the elevator is going to experience mechanical problems,” Davis said.

“There are always many mechanical problems which is a result of it getting a little old. But students should not fear the safety of the elevator. It was inspected and declared safe.”

He also said no personal complaints were ever made to him regarding the elevator. He said he is always notified by residential services when any of the elevators on campus have problems.

“I have a radio with me at all times, so when anything goes wrong with the elevators on campus, I know about it,” Davis said. “Most of the time the breakdowns are a result of students forcing the doors open or kicking on the doors.”

Davis says plans have been made to refurbish the elevator between late spring and early summer. He said that the car will have to be replaced which will result in the elevator being out of service for a while.

“Various works will be done on the elevator,” Davis said. “It will be similar to the repairs that were made to the elevator in Ellender Hall. The generator will be repaired and everything else will get serious updates.”

Davis said the elevator meets all specifications and has been proclaimed safe by a state inspector.

“The elevator is safe and students should not worry about being in danger when using it,” Davis said.

“It will be getting updated which should solve the minor breakdowns that it has been experiencing.”