OUR VIEWS Consensus Opinion

Recently the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the Department of Housing have begun exploring Housing's collective liability policy in light of an increase in vandalism incidents in residence halls, most notably recent events in Eight Street and Center Street Apartments. The current policy states that students are jointly responsible for the cost of repairs of any breakages or damages within the common areas of residence halls and apartments. If the responsible party for the vandalism is unknown, then Housing can charge everyone in a hall or apartment for the damages equally. The policy is generally only invoked when there has been an excessive amount of damages caused to a hall, and the minimum amount of a fine is $25.

While it may seem unfair to residents who have played no part in the vandalism incidents to pay fines, the policy is a necessary evil for Housing. Otherwise the costs of maintaining the dorms would increase. However, it is important that a revised policy be formed with more detailed information on how much students have to pay in proportion to the amount of damages incurred, how many residents are subject to fines depending on where and when the incident occurred, and detailed warning procedures before a fine is even accessed.

Since this issue affects 6,000 residents living on campus, it is important that students become involved in the decision-making process on what changes, if any, should be made to the current policy by making their views known to their RHA representatives. Housing is not your typical landlord, and students should understand that the rules for living on campus are entirely different from those for off-campus apartments.