UCCS isn’t the most traditional college. We’re a commuter school with a fairly small campus, meaning we have to focus on the little things to build a sense of community here.
The vines on Main Hall being trimmed beyond recognition is just another piece of campus stability we’ve lost, and students will mourn their absence.
The vines have been a campus staple for years now, offering beautiful greenery when in bloom. I remember being a freshman and being enamored with the landscape of campus — between the mountain views, lush vines and big trees, I really appreciated not going to school in a concrete jungle.
The vines make for a great photo backdrop and are utilized by Greek life and clubs. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t taken about a thousand photos of that spot during the summer.
With UCCS being a commuter school, it can feel small and lackluster at times. Unlike Boulder or CSU, we don’t have as many campus landmarks to make us feel a sense of connection. We’ve recently lost many staples, such as the Roaring Fork and Columbine Big Cat Coffee. The vines may have been simple, but their removal does hurt considering the lack of mainstays.
While I understand that the vines were cut for routine maintenance, this just proves that UCCS needs to work on cultivating more attractive and inviting spaces so that the loss of vines doesn’t feel so devastating.
Aesthetics matter. No one wants to attend a colorless, dull college with diminishing attractions. Removing any sense of originality negatively affects the morale of students and lowers prospective student numbers.
The vines were a minor feature on a less busy side of campus, yet their absence will be felt, just like every other commodity and feature on campus that seems to be disappearing.
The current state of UCCS versus where the vines used to be. Illustration by Josiah Dolan.