SFU Surrey: Advantageous, Harmless or Perhapes None of the Above?

“Looking at examples from past year’s NowPublic articles, many articles concerning the safety of Simon Fraser University Surrey have appeared, from the fast food outings to the exterior environment that is Whalley.  Articles such as these have forced this journalist to ponder of the environment which I am surrounded by 5 days of the week.  With this semester in mind, I begin to believe that SFU’s environment is not perfect but rather unwholesome instead.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to halt my academic career because a few convincing articles persuaded my mind to think otherwise.  But, it is only right to get all my thoughts on paper and present a piece that will put an alarmed mind at rest.”

One look from bypassing mall goers and it is obvious to see that the structure of our Surrey campus is by far a successful incorporation of modernism and urban architecture.  
As SFU President Michael Stevenson stated when the campus first opened, "With the addition of this superb new campus, SFU maintains its tradition of architectural excellence" (2006).  In typical student perspective, Simon Fraser University (SFU) Surrey is a technological haven.  With iMacs present in most lab rooms and hundreds, maybe even thousands of electrical outlets to plug in God-knows-what these days, even students from SFU Burnaby and Kwantlen have not failed to show their enjoyment of these goodies.  Funnily enough, despite the need of SFU passwords and usernames, any bodily student with social contacts at SFU can take advantage of this “beneficial” equipment.  

But this technology forces one to really think, “Are these products beneficial for our ultimate goals as university students?”  Many critics, including me, love the advancements this university holds in comparison to others.  One look into a room and seeing homework projected onto a wall-wide display, with 95% of students, without the prolonged use of finger-cramping utensils anymore, typing for three hours straight is entirely typical and standard for a lot of classes.  If technology can assist students in the classroom and allow for more efficient study habits and in-class habits, then there would be no one questioning the worth of these technologies at all.  Unfortunately, I have recently noticed, with this semester in particular, that a majority of students with laptops are playing games and “facebooking” all lecture, completely ignoring the professor or teaching assistant.  I find many students skipping class as well due to the negative influences which the technology provides.  As a result of what most students are seeing in lectures, they find themselves lost in translation, oblivious to what is projected on the projector.  This is not happening everywhere mind you, but is still occurring on a somewhat influential basis.   

One has to think that this technologically-advanced environment could be somewhat satisfactory in terms of maximizing academic output.  But, on another note, the surrounding environment of SFU Surrey as well, is not paradise per say.  Bing Tom originally wanted SFU Surrey to define the Whalley area and that is exactly what it is – apart of Whalley.  Any rational person in Surrey knows of this area and of its troubles and night-time dangers.  The Surrey Central Skytrain station does not fall short of these dangerous descriptions.  According to an article in the Province referring to the Surrey Central Station, “there is an environment that attracts menacing-looking people you don't want hanging around stations” (Spencer, 2008).  Clearly, the skytrain station is a necessity for Vancouverites and all students living long distances away, but the safety of the students still requires more attention.  Fortunately, security guards are always present to accompany students who feel uncomfortable or scared-out-of-their pants, as I admit to being on more than one occasion   

One last environmental hazard, in the eyes of this weary writer, is the mall itself and the dangers it present in the forms of half-price clothing and fatty foods for the most part.  The fact that SFU Surrey is right smack in the middle of a mall is another factor that may be causing the resistance of the academic mind.  To make it clear, all students need a place to eat and “hang,” and no major university in British Columbia for that matter is completely store-free.  Whether it is SFU Burnaby or the University of British Columbia, students need a place to spend their loose change and who knows, Toonie Tuesdays and Subway’s subs of the day may prove to fuel the educational mind.

The insecurities present here are not the opinions of everyone and despite these troubles, SFU Surrey continues to attract a bountiful amount of new students each year.  To the viewers and readers of this article, take note of the presentations laid out here.  Especially to fellow students, remember that SFU Surrey is just another step of our academic lives and we must cherish it without lack of determination.  Despite insecurities present, keep in mind that technology cannot help us get better grades.  The mall is a place to relax and spend some cash, but not a place where academics should be forgotten.  The environment surrounding the school is present and nothing can be done about that, but we can be smarter with it, by planning accompanies and escorts for example.  In due course, SFU Surrey is an awesome place to study and never once did I try to thrash its credibility or reputation but instead, to assign warnings that students should stay forever attentive of.     


Architectural News. (2006). Bing Thomas Architects’ Surrey Central City Project to House New Simon Fraser University Campus. Retrieved March 10, 2009 from http://www.architectural-library.com/19990482/

Simon Fraser University. (2006). Shopping for Education at SFU Surrey. Retrieved March 10, 2009 from http://www.sfu.ca/pamr/print/news_releases/archives/news08170601.htm
Spencer, Kent. (2008). Surrey Central, Broadway and Metrotown are SkyTrain's scariest stations.  Retrieved March 11, 2009 from the Province: http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=f7ddbee3-6680-4b9a-af7a-cb5590b248cf