The cost of residence life may not be worth it: Students
Students speak out against fines, punishment
VERONICA CARR STAFF
Some U of M residence students are suggesting residence life is just not all it’s cut out to be, compared to previous years.
“The essence of dorm life is being stripped from us and anything that was cool about it seems to have disappeared,” commented Taché residence student Matt Soprovich, as a group sat down to talk with the Manitoban. “For instance, we’re lucky it’s less than 10 of us in this room, otherwise this interview would qualify as a party and we could be fined.”
Michael Spences, another Taché residence student, added that life is much tougher in residence now, compared to previous years. “It’s ridiculous. My first year in res I was definitely less intelligent about some things then I am now, but somehow I seem to be getting into much more trouble for the same, or lesser, actions. I just don’t get it,” he said.
Joe Danis, director of housing and student life commented on the complaints: “If students have concerns, I feel myself and [assistant director Tanya Angus] are more than accessible and available to address those concerns in person.”
According to the 2006-07 Residence Handbook, the residence community is guided by the belief that student discipline should be developmental rather than punitive.
According to the Residence Housing Agreement that all student-residents sign before moving in, initial minor infractions may merit a warning or $50 fine, and second infractions result in a doubled fine. Disciplinary actions follow the university’s student discipline bylaw.
Danis said that he can’t discuss specific students or events for confidentiality reasons, but “I think our community standards speak for themselves in the contract and in the residence handbook.”
Arthur V. Mauro resident James Lyons added that in addition to fines, charges like residence laundry cards, building access cards and meal plans are adding up quickly.
“If I lose my access card to Arthur Mauro, then of course I should have to buy a new one, but when the flimsy card breaks or becomes inactive after time because it’s so cheap, they should replace it or give me solid keys to get into my building,” said Lyons.
The students said they are asking only for respect issues to be addressed, such as accountability, more student input, warnings, clarification of rules, more approachability when it comes to personnel dealing with residence and an attitude change.
“Residence should be fun. Of course our studies and safety come first, but fun is just as important,” claims Soprovich. “A little more positive reinforcement and a little less negative enforcement could make a big change.”
Danis maintained that residence life provides a great experience for students and reiterated that concerns need to be addressed to him.
“We have almost 1,200 people in residence and the majority of those individuals, I think, have a positive experience and I think definitely we are always going to have individuals who are unhappy with the service they are receiving,” said Danis. “This is the first that I’ve heard of any of these specific concerns but I would be more then happy to sit down with the students and address them.”
