Elizabeth Fisher measured classroom seats at the University in the early 1990s after years of problems with classroom seating. She first attended the University on full scholarship in 1978, but dropped out three years later when frustration with classroom seating took its toll.
Sitting in an uncomfortable classroom seat for an hour or more can be unpleasant for many students, but for larger students such as Fisher, the University’s standard 18-inch-wide seats can be problematic.
Ten years after her first college experience, Fisher decided she would not let problematic seating prevent her from receiving a college degree.
“Measuring them was my way of taking control. It enabled me to know in advance which seats would fit and which ones would not,” she said.
Fisher found that seats were too small for large students in both Lockett Hall, especially basement classrooms, and the Music and Dramatic Arts Building.
While seating in Tureaud Hall could also be problematic, Fisher found more adequate seating in some areas. The best building for seating for larger students is Howe-Russell, especially the newer section.
Fisher said she submitted her findings as a project in a women’s studies class and contacted the Office of Disability Services to find out how it could help larger students.
Benjamin Cornwell, Disability Services associate director, said while his office has not received many complaints in recent years, he thinks the problem is more widespread.
“I’ve had maybe three students in the three years I’ve been here,” Cornwell said. “But for someone to come in and say that, that’s a very difficult thing for someone to do.”
Cornwell said accommodations have been made in the past for large students who come to his office with seating problems. Usually, Disability Services contacts Facility Services to arrange for larger or different style desks for the student.
Emily Toth, an English professor, said students in her three-hour night classes sometimes complain about the seats in Allen Hall, but other buildings on campus seem to have more adequate seating.
“I ask them where the most and least comfortable seats on campus are, and their results always agree with Elizabeth’s — best is Howe-Russell, worst is Lockett,” Toth said.
Emmett David, Facility Services associate director for facility development, said despite any complaints students may have, all seats in University classrooms meet or exceed building codes.
“In general, they are in due compliance with the code,” David said.
David said new codes, which are not yet in effect at the University, provide for 22 inches of space from the back of one chair to the back of another.
“You can’t design for everybody, but you can make accommodations for anybody,” David said.
Students who wish to contact Disability Services regarding seating issues may call 578-5919 or email [email protected].