As a resident, Hereford Student Senator, and RA in Hereford during my first three years at the University, I was not really surprised to read that Hereford might be changed to a first-year dorm. Nor was I surprised about how this decision is being made.
Hereford is the only on-Grounds residence where a student can choose to live on their own. Many students don’t want to share a room or an apartment with others. With very few off-Grounds options of this type, Hereford is one of a few choices. It is crucial that the University recognize the rights of these students.
Unlike upperclassmen, many first years would not choose to live in Hereford. Being forced into a single room can be very offsetting and isolating. Last year’s housing survey showed first years in Weedon and Malone were much less satisfied than those in the Residential College, probably because of the lack of socialization experienced living without a roommate.
Most alarming is the way this decision is being made. Residents did not find out until they were deemed “displaced students” while trying renew their contracts last week. Neither the HSS nor the ResStaff team has been approached about these changes and there has been no student involvement. Only surfacing now, and that due to an unforeseen delay in decision making, it appears the administration has made every effort to limit student input. This is just another instance of the University limiting student involvement while still priding itself on student leadership. This lack of visibility is unacceptable.
Thomas Gravely
CLAS IV
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