Looking every which way he can, he speeds up his walking, dodging oncoming student traffic.

With five minutes to spare before his test begins, he dashes for the Music Building.

Getting closer to his destination, he spots a student on a skateboard speeding across the quad heading towards him.

Clutching his textbooks closer to his chest, he stops in his tracks with no time to move and collides with the skateboarder.

As if walking traffic on campus isn’t bad enough, there are student skateboarders on campus contributing to the crowd.

Luckily for students and faculty, there is a present ban on skateboarding on campus.

Even though there is a ban on skateboards, many students are choosing to ignore it.

Many think that there is no harm using a skateboard on campus, however, with so many students on campus daily, it can be dangerous.

Yes, using a skateboard or bicycle is faster and time saving when getting to a class, but the trouble and money it can take is not worth the risk.

Currently, for those students caught skateboarding or bicycling on campus, there is a $250 fine which also includes court fees.

The campus police also think that it is a nuisance, considering that the fines have gone up by almost 40 percent since last fall.

It is true that each semester, there are a number of new students on campus.

However, the excuse of not knowing or being aware of the rules and laws on campus is inexcusable.

There are signs throughout campus that show that the usage of skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles and scooters is illegal.

Although some people think this $250 fine would stop riders in their tracks, it isn’t as many are ignore the law.

All these tickets and hassles can be avoided by doing  a couple of simple things.

Coming to campus at least an hour earlier can solve most of the problems.

By coming to campus earlier, there will be plenty of time for students to find parking, get to classes and maybe even get a little studying done. If they take the time, they won’t have to get to places in such a hurry, and will be able to avoid a hefty fine.

With the economy in a plunge and with gas prices also rising, it seems to be a good idea to avoid these senseless fines and just follow the rules on campus.

In the end, no one wants to have to pay a fine, no matter what the amount is, and everyone wants to be safe.