While the days following spring break saw a burst of warm temperatures in Greencastle, residents of one first-year residence hall saw a less favorable burst. Within the span of just a few days, there were several incidents of damage and theft in Longden Hall, a fact that was distressing to many in the surrounding community.
The damage that has been reported to public safety includes a bicycle being thrown into a window well, craft supplies being strewn around a study room and paint being squirted down a hallway. Additionally, personal items, including mattresses, were removed from a room and placed in the hallway.
Angie Nally, director of public safety, called the latter incident a reminder for students to lock their doors in order to keep their personal items secure. She did clarify, however, that this reminder was not a statement on the incident currently under investigation.
Another incident that occurred around the same time as the others was the fire alarm was pulled; it is unclear whether this is connected to any of the others.
The Campus Living Community Development office confirms the craft-related incidents, as well as missing (later returned) couch cushions and damaged exit signs. These events required response and follow-up by CLCD and Facilities Management, some of which is still happening.
There are a number of places to which these cases can be reported. Public safety, CLCD, the RAs on each floor and Facilities Management all accept reports on incidents of unlawful/unwanted activity. This means that students have options to find the one that best caters to the type of situation.
Those that are reported to public safety are usually more personal events rather than public events. Public safety also becomes involved when a student or group of students feel like they have been targeted for damage. Those reported to CLCD and RAs pertain to community property damage or theft.
It also means that any one of the entities may not have a complete list of every occurrence, since their lists would only contain those incidents which were reported to them.
The RAs in Longden are not happy that these events have occurred in their building. Sophomore RA Elisabeth Wilson says, “The damage has affected the whole community.”
Her colleague, sophomore Jazzkia Jones calls the damage “disappointing and frustrating” and feels that the damages show a lack of respect on the part of the responsible parties for the others on their floor and for their building.
The residents of Longden also feel strongly about the damages.
Annie Remack, a first-year Longden resident said, “This abuse of the common area, it upsets me.”
This is not the first time that damage has occurred. Residence hall damage has happened throughout the year in many of the buildings. Most notably, the outdoor signs to the residence halls were taken during the fall semester.
Incidents in residence halls affect more than just the wallet of the responsible parties and the workload of campus resources.
Wendy Wippich, director of campus living, and Emeline Hansen, coordinator for campus living, stated that “an inconvenience for the students living in that building, students navigating whether their community feels welcoming or for our partners in Facilities Management who already work incredibly hard, but now has to take extra time and devote additional resources to repair, clean and address concerns” are several possible effects that can stem from community damage.
If the responsible party is determined, the person or persons will be asked to pay for the damages or the information will be sent to the Community Standards Committee for action to be taken on that level. The response depends on the nature of the incident.
If one discovers damage to a part of campus, they are encouraged to contact public safety. If one wishes to stay anonymous, they can use the Silent Witness form, located at http://www.depauw.edu/studentlife/campus-safety/publicsafety/campus-safety-services/silent-witness/. Students are also encouraged to contact CLCD about these incidents by calling x4500 or emailing housing@depauw.edu.
Additionally, there is a form on e-Services to contact Facilities Management about necessary services.