I just don’t understand the reasoning behind the “partying atmosphere” rule. I realize it is necessary for the university to keep some control over its residents, but I think this rule should only be enforced during the week. And maybe in moderation on the weekends. On the weeknights, I can understand it when people are in their rooms trying to study or sleep and they don’t want to hear Metallica blasting from down the hall or around the corner. You just have to respect that aspect of dorm life and accept it.

My problem lies with enforcing it on Friday and Saturday nights! Why?

For example, two of my friends had a get together broken up because of a “party atmosphere.” They were written up and a $25 fine was slapped on them. First of all, the volume of the music was quite low (they had turned it down when quiet hours started). Granted, there were ten people in the room, but the noise level was almost at normal conversation.

Who exactly were we bothering? I guess the two RAs who just happened to be walking by at the time. It must have been them, since there were no neighbors on either side that were home to complain about us. I proved to some people last year that some things that you can hear in the hall CANNOT be heard next door (via the gaps above and below the door frame). Regardless…we were written up and fined.

I also was wondering why some RAs are “out-to-get” specific floors? Isn’t that a little biased? Maybe there are a few bad apples that deserve to be nailed…but what do you expect–this IS a college campus, isn’t it? Personal vendettas are not very becoming for an RA’s position.

I can’t wait to move off-campus next year. I don’t need a babysitter. We are all adults here, although some of us don’t always act like it. We can’t stay kids forever, but we sure can enjoy it while we can. RAs should be there to protect the educational and personal rights of the persons on their floor. But why get on the students’ bad sides by writing them up for something that is not bothering anyone—not violating anyone’s rights?

I don’t think this “party atmosphere” thing will deter dorm parties. Remember, we are still at that rebellious age. If they keep slapping more and more rules down in front of us, it’s just more for us to break.

Christine Rechner

Sophomore

Biology