New Duke official to address off-campus issues

This fall there will be a new face amid the continuing controversy over tensions between students and residents off East Campus. The Office of Judicial Affairs, a branch of Student Affairs, has created a new position to field neighbors’ grievances regarding excessive noise and disrespectful behaviors from students living and partying off campus.

The position—Duke’s latest step in addressing such complaints—will also provide additional resources for the Student Affairs office. Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Moneta emphasized that the position will not be limited to “off-campus” issues.

“Local news media has been building this as a unique position dedicated to off-campus [complaints],” he said. “But it’s not going to be limited to this one role. It’s an additional position in the Student Affairs staff.”

Moneta explained that the new hire will give the office more opportunities to do preventive work, such as engaging students in conversation about the community’s grievances.

The hire is one of a number of recent attempts by both Duke and Durham residents to form a more cohesive student-resident community off campus. In March, residents of neighborhood communities located near East created an organization to focus on the resolution of student disruptions. In 2004, Duke formed BlueSPARC, a Duke coalition that addresses off-campus and alcohol-related issues.

Durham residents remain hopeful that the new student affairs official will continue to help foster a better relationship between town and gown. “I think it has huge potential,” said Linda Wilson, a Trinity Park resident. “It just depends on exactly what that person is charged to do in their position. I think anytime the University makes attempts to improve campus-community interaction it’s a good thing.”