There were few participants at last week’s WCU Residential Living Forum led by Brandon Wilson, Campus Housing Senator for the Student Government Association, but several problems facing the living circumstances to students residing on campus.
The forum was held on Tuesday, Dec. 7 so that campus residents could voice their constructive criticism of what could be added, removed, or changed in order to better WCU’s Residential Living. The lack of students did not reflect the conversation which was filled with both criticisms and suggested solutions.
Respect and the lack of it were the major themes of the discussion ranging from noise levels in residence halls to vandalism and lack of hygiene. Noise levels in Blue Ridge and Norton Road Residence Halls were focused on because of the dorms’ thin walls. Students admitted to being able to hear entire phone conversations through the walls, and they complained of fellow students not realizing the amount of noise coming from their rooms.
The participants in the forum also noted vandalism like writing on walls in the newer dorms and a certain absence of cleanliness like trash left in elevators were issues that residents face every day. Wilson replied to these problems with respect by other residents by advising students to always report any vandalism or other issues to a Resident Adviser (RA). However, he also told residents that their voices are just as important as an RA’s voice and can be heard when confronting a person about one of these issues. After making that point, Wilson reiterated the importance of still alerting an RA of any problems or disputes because of student safety.
Throughout the forum when discussing respect or residence hall amenities like laundry rooms, issues and criticisms were pointed out effectively and advice was given for each situation. However, when the forum turned to the staff of WCU’s Residential Living, not one of the few participants voiced a problem. All reviews of Residential Living staff were positive and a pleasant way to end a discussion on the problems facing Residential Living.
When Wilson was asked how he felt on the forum’s effectiveness, he replied, “Even with the few people here the suggestions given tonight were great. I think it was very effective.”
Wilson will take all comments and suggestions back to Residential Living to be considered for improving student’s living circumstances.
