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Western Carolina University (21) View all

Western Carolinian (Volume 69 Number 05)

items 6 of 24 items
  • hl_westerncarolinian_2004_vol69_no05_06.jpg
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Item’s are ‘child’ level descriptions to ‘parent’ objects, (e.g. one page of a whole book).

  • When students arrive on Westerns campus for the first time, they are no longer under the care of their parents or guardians. They rely on the services rendered by the University to keep them safe, to house and feed them and most importantly to give them the oppor- tunity to become productive, educated individuals. There are numer- ous things placed on all students to-do lists at the beginning of every semester, and tons of reminders on these lists involve departments within the University. This year there was an incredible increase in the number of students attending Western. The University admitted 8,396 students, the most in the Universitys history. But increased growth can lead to complications as it becomes difficult for each de- partment to keep track of all necessary information. One such department is the Department of Residential Living (DRL). Anyone who has lived on campus has heard stories that in- volve students and Housing because DRL is often portrayed as un- helpful and oblivious to students needs. This summer, for example, DRL allowed May Mini-Mester students to stay on campus for the first time. All students who signed a housing contract for the Mini-Mester were guaranteed a room for two weeks. Unfortunately, some students were left homeless for approximately five days because their Mini-Mester classes were scheduled to last longer than the regular two-week time period. Students called and complained to the Department of Residential Living, but no students were allowed to stay in their rooms for an extended amount of time. Keith Corzine, Director of Residential Living, says that students were not accommodated because the steam plant was shut down for three days, and students are not allowed to stay in residence halls without hot water. Also, Corzine stated that the Department of Resi- dential Living was not informed that there were special needs for cer- tain students to stay on campus for an extended period of time. It was assumed that ALL Mini-Mester classes lasted for only two weeks. This assumption resulted in a number of students being forced out of their rooms. DRL stated that they received very few complaints, but many interviewed students said they felt they made a significant number of calls. University departments remind students to pay more attention to details in order to be more responsible for their interactions on cam- pus. Corzine said that early communication could have solved the problem before it even occurred. Other DRK representatives stated that they were not informed by the proper committee about Mini-Mes- sh Residential Living problems, whos at Fault? by Jennifer Scism ter classes that lasted for one month. Thus, they did not inform stu- dents that they could only stay on campus for two weeks when they signed housing contracts. By the time students complained about the problem, it was too late for Residential Living to find a solution. Housing plans to offer Mini-Mester students the opportunity to stay on campus again this summer. All Mini-Mester students will be housed in one location for convenience and safety purposes. How- ever, students planning to take Mini-Mester classes that extend be- yond the usual two-week period should know that they will probably have to move to a location on campus where the steam plant is not needed to heat the water. Central Drive Hall provides this option and hopefully will be vacant to accommodate students with these special needs. Be certain to check-in with departments to avoid any possible mistakes. The moral to all of this is each and every student on campus is merely a number among thousands of enrolled individuals. The Uni- versity tries to accommodate students needs, but this is not always possible. It is imperative that students communicate with all the nec- essary departments on campus. If they dont, they could be without a room, or even accidentally withdrawn from school. Take the time to go by housing, financial aid and your academic advisors, or go online and check out your account information. These offices and services are here to make your life easier. Residential Living Mission Statement Our mission is to serve the communities of Western Car- olina University by providing clean, safe, and healthy living environments that enhance and support the educational mis- sion, goals and creed of the university. We strive to create living and learning communities where students feel valued as individuals and where diversity and fellowship with others can be celebrated. While maintaining a high level of qual- ity service, we shall encourage and provide opportunities for personal growth and development of character, leadership, honesty, respect, and pride. Are you having problems with Campus Housing? Email us at wc@wcu.edu Photo: WCU OPI RELEASE
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).