Campus Chronicle

Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: News

Recent changes in housing and the
new policies that have been set into place
by the school have caused an eruption of
emotions throughout the campus not only
with students but also with staff members.
Many students don't understand why they
have been charged almost $1,600 for a
private room when most did not have any
influence over their roommate's decision
to move. With the country still in a recession,
the decision to choose a private room
will cost the average student almost all if
not more than the amount of most students'
refund checks. A recent interview with two
Alcorn staff members gave insight into the
feelings of some of the workers here about
the recent decisions. Deborah Horton,
dorm director of the Women's Honor Dormitory,
stated that she was unaware of the
reason why students were being charged for
private rooms or a fee of ten dollars a day
if students did not move within a short period
of time, a practice that has just started
this semester. An answer explaining what
the fees charged for private rooms fund and
what percentage of the funds goes toward
the new dormitories that are set to open in
the Fall of 2010 also could not be found.
The director of housing failed to respond to
questions concerning these issues.
The subject of new dormitories is
also a topic that is up for discussion. Police
chief Frank Davis stated that he feels that
the new housing will help to increase the
school's enrollment numbers. When asked
how he felt about the current dormitories,
Davis replied, "I feel the current dorms are
not adequate and outdated." The most common
concerns that Davis is presented with
are the lack of hot water and the constant
state of the elevators being broken, something
he believes can be attributed to the
age of the dormitories.
The new dormitories are expected to
not only have a comfortable water temperature
along with working elevators, but also
a fitness center, convenience store, and new
computer labs. The typical suite is expected
to contain two bedrooms with two beds
in each along with two desks, a small living
area, and a kitchenette containing a microwave
(cooking will not be encouraged in
the suites and students are expected to eat
meals in the dining hall or on-campus eateries).
The suites will also have a full bath.
The rules, however, will remain the same
and new rules are anticipated to be created.
The suites will still have directors. No word
has been given as to whether or not children
will be allowed to live in the dormitories.
At present, they are not allowed. Overall,
most feel that the new dorms will bring a
much needed change to the living conditions
of students on the campus. "I think
that these will be the best living quarters,"
said Horton. To see the new dormitories
on-line, visit www.alcorn.edu/newsuites .
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