Recently, residents of Harford Hall received a letter stating that each of them was being charged $83 for the destruction of a Fire Alarm Annunciator Panel in the West lobby of the building. Although students are aware that the housing contract states they are responsible for the repair cost, many students are uncertain as to why the culprit was not apprehended.
The incident of destruction took place in February. The Department of Public Safety conducted an investigation, interviewing 79 students. According to Walt Beaupre, Operations Supervisor of Public Safety, all leads were thoroughly checked out and all of the accused had reliable alibis. The case was then closed. "I feel we have done a thorough and lengthy investigation," said Beaupre.
Recently, two new leads have come to light and are being investigated at this time.
With no culprit at this time, though, the cost for repairs falls upon the residents of Harford. According to page 112 of the Student Handbook, "Any damage caused by unknown persons will be assessed against the residents in the area of the residence hall in which the damage occurred or against the residents of the entire residence hall."
Once the damage was reported, Buildings and Grounds contacted the company which deals with the college on all fire safety issues and equipment, Fireline Corporation, Inc. The company sent representatives to assess the situation the next day and after contacting two distributors, quoted the college a cost of $6,845 to replace the panel, according to Reid Raudenbush, Director of Physical Plant and Maintenance.
Harford Hall currently houses 82 residents, and at $83 a person, the residence hall will collectively be paying the school just under the full amount. Despite the school's following the proper procedure, some students still expressed concerns over the situation.
"I feel that when charges are assigned for 'community damage' that the letter we receive should tell us more than what we have to pay," said sophomore and Harford Hall resident Stephanie Mlinarcik. "Parents want to know how much the full replacement is, how that number was found, and details about the investigation."
"Students generally have a dislike for paying for damages that they did not create," explained another student.
In addition, some students believe the damage was done by someone from outside the college community, possibly a prospective student, and question how the college could hold such a person accountable.
Even though the case is officially closed, Public Safety is always looking for possible leads. All information is kept confidential. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Beaupre via e-mail or at extension 7810.
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