Residence hall probation causes controversy

Many damages have occurred in the residence halls over the past few semesters. Due to this, students who have exceeded $250 in fines have been put on residence hall probation. These students will be suspended if they receive another write-up.

by Nicole Klimas managing editor

Due to the fact that extensive damages had been done to many of the buildings on campus, resident life began cracking down on vandalism in the resident halls this semester.

Many students whose resident hall fines exceeded $250 received a letter stating that they had been placed on resident hall probation, meaning that if they received another write-up their resident hall privileges would be suspended.

If a resident student's residence hall privileges are suspended, the student is forced to move off campus and is not allowed in the residence halls, even to visit a friend.

Once a student's residence hall privileges are suspended, a new bed is left waiting for a student wanting to move onto campus. However, according to Dr. Robert Bonfiglio, vice president for student development, the use of the residence hall probation is not a ploy in order to open more beds to students wishing to live on campus.

Cathy Caulfield, director of resident life, said that the real reason behind the residence hall probation was the fact that the resident life staff wanted to communicate to the residents that damages done will not be taken lightly.

By stiffening the penalties, students would possibly be less likely to commit damages and more likely to disclose the identities of the perpetrators. must sign that, "Residents whose end of the year damage bill is deemed to be excessive by the director of resident life may be subject to disciplinary action."

The disciplinary action that has been taken by resident life has been to place those people with excessive fines on residence probation.

-Mike

Many students wondered why they were placed on residence probation without any warning. According to Bonfiglio, it is stated in both the student handbook as well as in the residence hall agreement that all residents

Many students have complaints about the policy, saying that it is unfair to be charged for vandalism they did not commit.

However, the majority of the charges for damages come from common areas, such as the lounge or bathrooms, where the person responsible cannot be ascertained.

Therefore, if no responsible party can be found, the house or dorm as a whole must pay for the damages resulting in high fees.

Students also had problems with fees because many students moved during the second semester and were forced to pay fines for damages that were already committed before they moved in.

"I think its unfair," said junior Mike McGann. "House 6 was trashed before I even moved in and I also had to pay a $1,000 fine."

Bonfilgio did say, however, that if any person believes that they were unfairly fined they could bring the matter to the attention of resident life and the matter will be discussed and possibly solved.