Student Body President Weighs in on Housing Issue

For the students of this college, my constituents, I write this column. Recalling the 17th issue (2/8/07) of the Bachelor, I am wholly appalled by the images of Wolcott Hall and the Tau Kappa Epsilon recreation room and the commentary about houses such as Kappa Sigma. I must be honest; I double took when I first saw the images. Recollect the pictures and you’ll understand why. As the voice and representative of the students – of who live in these conditions – I am concerned; very concerned. Living in these conditions cannot be pleasant and must be rather worrisome for the residents. As an outsider to Wolcott Hall and the fraternity houses, I was unaware of these conditions. As it is now known to me, I have reason to fret.

It bothers me that we have students living in these substandard conditions. I must admit, though, it is absurd to “read” about such conditions on our campus. I’d rather not have residency sub-par. Such poor quality should not be a problem on this campus. I will not stand idly by while my fellow students live in conditions below standard. The condition of these fraternities and dormitories should not be a worry for the students. Residency quality should be the last concern for any college student.

The administrators of this college work diligently to resolve student concerns. I work with them. I know. The pictures and commentary from the February 8th edition of the Bachelor tells me that now is one of those times to work with them. There is no doubt that some work has to and must be done. Housing conditions have now become a top priority of mine. These conditions, under which colleges should not expose their students, are unsatisfactory by any standard. Resident communities at this college must be comfortable, safe, and livable. The pictures and notes from last week’s newspaper have me thinking we offer otherwise. That, I sadly admit, is unacceptable. This residential inadequacy must be discussed; it is undoubtedly a concern of students. Therefore, it is a concern for me.

Let it be known that I comment not entirely on the decisions of the college’s administration but rather on their knowledge of the conditions of our student living communities. I do wonder if the conditions of the dormitories and fraternity houses are promptly reported to the appropriate and respective authority. Do our students voice these concerns with college officials? If so, we most certainly have a problem. If not, our students must be comfortable voicing such concerns.

In response to my newfound knowledge of housing conditions, I pledge to tour all housing communities on campus and listen to the residents. Wolcott Hall, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma are only three of many. I want all students to be comfortable where they live. Discomfort and harm brought forth by living conditions cannot be tolerated in our community.