West Hall residents address concerns

By Kelly L. Griffith
News Editor

Nearly 30 West Hall residents voiced complaints concerning plumbing, mold, trash and other problems in the dorms to the housing department and university administration on Feb. 25 in a forum sponsored by SGA.

Several issues concerning bathrooms were raised at the 4 p.m. meeting. Students reported problems with inadequate plumbing and mold in certain showers.

SGA President Nadean Hafner asked why the mold was not reported in a timely manner by resident advisors or the dormitory supervisor.

Dean of Students Preston Swiney said reports take a long time to reach the maintenance department from resident advisors.

Students said the multiple plumbing problems have caused the first floor hallway to stink.

Swiney said he had not been told of the problem.

“That’s the first I’ve heard of a smelly hallway,” Swiney said.

The administration said it would look into fixing the problem.

Trash outside the hall became another major discussion topic. Students requested that housekeepers pick up trash on weekends.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Dr. Diane Jones said residents have the ability to take trash to dumpsters behind Belk and Pine Halls. Housing Coordinator Carol Hunt said students could get empty trash bags from maintenance in Locklear if needed.

Swiney said student room fees pay all salaries, maintenance and repairs, which does not allow the university to pay for housekeepers on weekends.

Several residents voiced complaints about work orders not being responded to in a timely manner.

Resident Administrator for North Hall Cynthia Redfearn said students should follow up on work orders if not taken care of immediately.

“It takes time, but if it is something we have on-hand, it should be taken care of almost immediately,” Swiney said.

Jones said $997,000 was designated to the restoration of West Hall from the bond referendum given in 2000. The money will not be released until the summer of 2005.

“We will do as much as our budget allows us to do and that will be in 2005,” Jones said.

The university hopes to purchase central heating and air conditioning with the appointed funds. Jones also said movable furniture would be bought and sheetrock would replace the cinderblock walls currently in West.

The administration found many problems had been overlooked after hearing complaints from residents and promised to make as many changes as possible.

The university is planning to hold more resident hall meetings in the future.