SHOT TOWER INN Take a bite out of Xavier’s latest restaurant review, Page 6
VOLLEYING FTK Men’s volleyball team joins forces with Dance Marathon to help the children’s hospital Page 12 March 7, 2018— Vol. 96, Issue 11
Housing lottery: Are there winning chances? by BRENNAN PIVNICKA | staff writer
As housing registration for next year rolls around once again, it seems only fitting to take a look at the ever-present ins-and-outs of the residence situation on campus, how it works and where it’s going. At present, campus residency is decided via a random lottery system based on credits completed by each student to assign sign-up times. Students with more credits receive earlier sign-up times. Special consideration is given to students with medical needs or disabilities. In regards to off-campus housing, many have observed that there are few Loras houses that allow for more than four students to live together at a time. This is entirely due to the city code of Dubuque, which states that any campus houses that are classified as single family residual buildings cannot have more than four unrelated people residing in them. “This has been a problem in the past, and students not following this rule have had to relocate back to campus. We opted to remain focused on four-person housing because of that,” said Molly Burrows-Schumacher, Loras’ assistant Dean of Students. The school’s residency-requirement is still in place, with students who are under 21-years-old or who have fewer than 80 credits are required to live on-campus. This is done mostly to the benefit of the student body, as it allows students to connect more locally with the faculty and staff. It has also been shown that students who live-on campus tend to have a higher GPA than those who live off campus, making it easier for them to graduate within four years. “We know that providing a variety of housing experiences is important to our students, so when the option to acquire
What is your opinion about Loras’ housing system/sign-up?
continued on page 2
“The continued reminders for housing applications were more stressful when I was trying to figure out my roommates.” ~fIrst-year Conor Kelly
“I don’t think there are enough housing options for larger groups of people.” ~sophomore Nicole Simmerman
“I love having a meal plan with Duhawk dollars but not having meal swipes, because I never eat in the cafeteria!” ~ junior Sarah Olson
If we get off campus, not only do we save on housing cost, but we don’t have to buy the parking pass and meal plan. ~sophomore Spencer Lawson
“I think housing is a very stressful time for students. If you don't have a group of two or four people, finding some place to live is very difficult. Loras should create a system where you can find people who want to live in the same building. It may be easier to find a fourth person for a group of three, in that case.” ~ sophomore Jamie Engelke
WHAT DU YOU THINK?
The Lorian solicited open-ended answers for this “What Du You Think?” feature. The five respondents pictured above approved publication of their answers and allowed us to take their photographs. Of the 80 total people who responded to the survey, 83.8% do not agree with the age requirement on off-campus housing, 70% agree with the minimum GPA requirement, and 51.2% thought houses did not accommodate group sizes well.
Man’s best friend inside and outside the classroom How emotional-support animals play a role on campus, provide students with support and relief by KELSEY LANSING | opinion editor
graphic by ANNA PETERSEN
In today's society, equality and equal rights are a large part of what is being focused on. Making sure everyone is treated the same and has the same opportunities is vital and is ensured today through both older laws and new laws. One way people are ensured equal rights is through the ability to have service animals. From guiding those without vision, to aiding police officers, to being a support source for someone. Today Emotional Support Animals are becoming increasingly more common in both the community and on college campuses, including Loras. When most people think about assistance animals they think about seeing eye dogs or pets who alert those who suffer from seizures. The list of services animals can provide humans is seemingly never ending, there is always something different that animals are doing to help people. One specific type of assistance animals are Emotional Support Animals, also known as ESAs. require documentation including verificaAccording to Certapet, an online service tion by a psychologist, therapist, or multiple that helps people through the process of cer- other certified mental health professionals. tification, Emotional Support Animals “pro- For many people this small change can make vides support which alleviates one or more the world of a difference, especially when the symptoms associated with a mental or emo- bond owners have their support animals. tional disability.” ESAs unlike some other The laws and regulations that are in place assistance animals “are have allowed for these more specifically chosen animals to have more For many people this as companions to indifreedom compared to viduals who are psychosmall change can make uncertified pets in some logically or emotionally different aspects. the world of a difference, disabled. hese companA few years ago, especially when the ions may include a varihaving pets on college ety of animals and may bond owners have their campuses living with be a current pet.” students seemed a bit support animals. While this may seem like a fantasy. Almost like a very simple and any student with a pet accessible process, there would love to have their is actually more to it than just wanting to animals with them while attending school. have your pet around. People suffering from The two laws that play the biggest role in any type of emotional disorder are eligible to people having ESAs on campus is the Ameriobtain an ESA, although these people will cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair
Housing Act (FHA). The ADA as mentioned previously, became a law in 1990 according to the National Network. This law prohibited the discrimination of an individual with a disability, whether it be for school, a job, housing, etc. This allows for service pets to be on a college campus. The FHA similarly to the ADA promotes the equality for housing and condemns the discrimination against anyone searching for housing, this law however was put in place in 1968. Both of these laws require people with disabilities to have the same rights, this means that allowing them to have their service pet is required through law. Both of these laws require that not only Loras, but all schools allow for service pets to be and live on campuses. At Loras, a student inquiring about having an Emotional Support Animal on campus must go through a process, one of the biggest factors in obtaining an ESA is having all of the proper paperwork and documentation. “Information about personal insurance,
licensing, vaccinations, pet temperament, and more must be provided”stated Molly Burrow Schumacher, the Assistant Dean of Students at Loras. This information is just one step in the process, medical documentation is also included in the process. Many different factors, both pros and cons are involved in the process of a student having an ESA on campus. Loras has seen an increasing number of students looking into the option for ESAs. Currently, on campus there are around a dozen service pets living on campus with students. With the Fair Housing Act in place, these pets live in a variety of places on campus including residence halls, houses, and apartments. Having these support animals on campus can have multiple different effects for those students who also live on campus. “Some provide support and assistance for those beyond the owner (many students leave pets at home, so animals on campus can be therapeutic for students who may have left a pet at home with family” explained Schumacher. While the presents of ESAs on campus may be overwhelmingly positive, there are still some negatives that the Loras staff have to help the students work through. These things can include the issue of noise and allergies, to other students these ESAs may be seen as a nuisance on campus. Loras works to promote an environment in which all people are able to thrive. Through the laws put in place by the government, people are able to have Emotional Support Animals living on campus with them. While there are some negatives involved with animals living in campus housing, the response to them on campus is extremely positive. The process for those at Loras is made an simple as possible, making it easier for those who need them. ESAs for the people living with a mental or emotional disability can make the world of a difference in their lives, especially as students.