Written by: Bri Dunham
Among the many things I love about being a student at Mizzou, specifically, I love how many opportunities are provided. From internships, to jobs, to clubs – there are so many different options to get yourself involved. One of things I don’t love, however, is how much luggage comes with being involved on campus. Let’s say you’re taking the shuttle to campus to catch an 8 a.m. class: alongside your normal school bag, you bring lunch from home and also bring materials you need for a club. That’s three different bags you’d need to lug around campus all day. Ellis Library actually has a solution for this that I recently learned about.
Located on the 1st floor of Ellis, in front of the circulation desk, are lockers that are free to use for any student. The only thing you need is a physical student ID. Open lockers will show a green light on the numbered panel, whereas occupied will show a red light. Once you put your belongings in a locker, all you need to do is tap your ID on the numbered pad and it will change to a red light. When you’re wanting to retrieve your belongings, you do the same process to unlock the locker. Need to charge your phone or computer? These lockers have built-in USB ports for you to use while you’re away. You can also borrow a multitude of different charging cords from the Check Out and Information Desk. Equipment lending is only allowed for up to 4 hours, so make sure to not leave it for too long if you go this route! Lockers are also only for day use, and anything left in the lockers overnight will be given to the Lost and Found at the West Entrance desk.
These lockers were first installed in the early months of 2021, and were funded by the Enhance Mizzou student fee. So, what is the Enhance Mizzou student fee? Enhance Mizzou was actually a result of a campaign led by students in 2017 to improve student facilities across campus. Representatives from Missouri Students Association, Graduate Professional Council and other groups met together after student survey results requested improvements, and led an effort for students to vote on the creation of the Enhance Mizzou fee. The fee had a rate of $2.91 per credit hour and capped at $35 per semester for undergraduates. While the fee went to many resources on campus (including the counseling center), the Libraries were an emphasis area. This is what provided funding for the library to be open 24/7, more resources for special collections, and of course, the lockers.
