Campus Council’s meeting Thursday night focused primarily on the implementation of the Quad Council Autonomy Resolution, which would allow Quad Councils to control the aesthetics of their quadrangles. It also touched upon a recent inquiry into cross-quad consistency in alcohol policy enforcement.
Fidelia Thomason, director of residence hall operations, and Timothy Henshaw, fire protection specialist for the University, offered an administrative and safety perspective about the feasibility of the Quad Council Autonomy Resolution. The resolution, first proposed in mid-September, would urge Residence Life and Housing Services to allow quad councils greater freedom in personalizing the interior common areas of their dormitories.
Thomason, speaking on behalf of RLHS, noted that any changes or additions to the common areas would still have to be passed by facilities managers and residence coordinators.
Henshaw informed members of fire code regulations that would restrict certain hallway decorations. He concentrated on the danger of “home-made” decor and the necessity of the fire department’s approval of any major alterations to the hallways and common areas.
“We are going to reevaluate our recommendations in light of the fire information that we have received,” said senior Anthony Vitarelli, Campus Council president. “We are happy to spend time dedicated to ensuring that we comply with fire code regulations.”
Part of the meeting was spent on Campus Council’s recent foray into what Vice President Damian Denoble called “the perennially changing and always dynamic issue of alcohol enforcement policies.”
Quad representatives gave varying reports on the information they had sought from their respective constituents about the University’s alcohol policy and its enforcement.
Junior Brenna Benson, Crowell Quad representative, cited the need for a better explanation of the alcohol policy to students, notably those not affiliated with a selective living group. The varying stringency of the policy’s enforcement in different quads was touched upon by sophomore Jared Layne, Craven Quad representative.
“A lot of people were concerned with the alcohol policy, but the main thing was consistency with residence coordinators,” he said.
Vitarelli emphasized the necessity for caution and neutrality when investigating the issue. “This is obviously a touchy and complicated issue, and we will not rush to any conclusions,” he said. “We are going to eliminate all hearsay and make sure that everything is testimonial-driven.”
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