The Office of Sustainability is partnering with the Associated Student Body to hold the campus’ first transportation forum from 4-6 p.m. Thursday in Holman Hall room 30.
The forum panelists will discuss parking issues and future developments for traditional and alternative modes of transportation throughout the Oxford community.
Students are encouraged to contribute suggestions at the forum and transportation changes will be aimed at improving student life in particular. The forum will connect students with both administrators and staff in charge of their daily transportation on campus.
Gordon Podshivalov, data and transportation intern at the Office of Sustainability, said the office aims to educate, connect and motivate community members for the well-being of people and ecological systems.
“Besides being a purely practical opportunity to hear from the key people and ask specific questions and get those questions answered, [the forum] is also a place to give suggestions and feedback,” Podshivalov said.
The Office of Sustainability works year-round on campus to promote a green conservation of the school’s ecosystems. Their Green Grove Initiative helps to keep the grounds clean during football season and promotes the composting program, which deals with unused food on campus.
Grace Sullivan, ASB director of sustainability, is one of the forum’s panelists and will offer more information on the partnership.
Sullivan said it is important for students to use the forum as an opportunity to voice concerns.
“It’s something that’s changing as our campus has grown,” Sullivan said. “This panel gives students the opportunity to have their voices heard in the planning process.”
Sullivan said the Office of Sustainability hopes to tackle a handful of campus transportation issues this coming year, starting with the forum. The office is promoting carpooling, biking, skating and walking for the increased social, health and ecological benefits.
Podshivalov said the goal is to find a way to preserve beauty while being more efficient. This balance can be hard to find.
“We are all committed to the good stewardship of our resources, including time, health and neighbors,” Podshivalov said. “Sustainability is not just about keeping the place nice; it’s about mutually improving our lives for generations.”
