The Elm Student Newspaper
Students complain of strict policing by Public Safety
Jacki Bauer
"We simply ask our employees to be
fair and consistent," said Director of
Public Safety Jerry Roderick.
File Photograph.
The complaints from freshmen this year are far from the topics of dining hall food, odorous bathrooms, or long laundry lines.
They are focusing more on the sternness of Public Safety. However, Public Safety officers disagree that they are being unfair, saying they are simply following college policy.
Several freshmen have complained that Public Safety is putting a damper on their college experience. With 15 citations - mostly alcohol related - and innumerable warnings, Public Safety has been busy in the past two weeks.
"I didn't expect there to be so many restrictions on our freedom," said freshman Stefanie Mihalek. "But it's probably in our best interests."
"I think Public Safety is a little stricter at this point in time in order to set precedents for the remainder of the year," said one senior Resident Assistant who wished to remain anonymous.
Director of Public Safety Jerry Roderick does not believe that the department is less tolerant this year than it has been in the past. He said that Public Safety is now and always has been required to follow the college's social policies.
"We simply ask our employees to be fair and consistent," he said.
Some policy changes include the first, second, and third alcohol violation consequences found on page 116 of the student handbook. This year, a third alcohol violation will result in the referral to a committee. Also, outside events brought to campus grounds are no longer permitted due to the wear and tear that occurred.
Roderick insisted that WC understands the value of the "full college experience" but that certain rules have to be followed.
According to Roderick, WC does not wish to chase students off campus in order to have fun, but cannot be held responsible for students who do so. The college could solve some problems by simply making the campus dry, or alcohol-free, though this is an unpopular option.
Nevertheless, Roderick states that the college wishes to maintain its active social life and welcoming environment.
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