Dorm administration must be held accountable
Jenny Theis
Tiffany Festi
In response to the sudden dismissal of the Pasquerilla West assistant rector, Cynthia Phillips, we feel that some things need to be addressed. Having lived in Pasquerilla West for over three years, we feel that we have no voice in issues relating to the dorm that we call home, if we can even call it that.
Our Assistant Rector was dismissed, and the only information we received was a hollow message stating: "Good evening women of PW. As some of you may already know, Cynthia Phillips will be leaving the hall and her position as Assistant Rector in the next several days. The hall staff appreciates Cynthia's service to the hall and to Notre Dame."
This is all that we know. Our RAs remain silent on the matter, for fear of losing their positions. When the residents are afraid to speak the truth, what kind of community atmosphere is being fostered?
We are all sad that Cynthia is leaving. She was a refreshing presence in the dorm, committed to the well-being and the success of community life. However, this event is just one more in a recurring pattern. Policies and occurrences within the dorm remain unexplained, and there is no evidence of inquiry from the administration. Where is the accountability?
We have yet to have a treasurer who has seen a current budget or has knowledge of funds available for dorm events. The treasurer is not even permitted access to the dorm checkbook. This year, the residents have had to pay for interhall sports out of their own pockets, despite the annual $45 hall tax, and again without an explanation as to why. We are not treated as mature college students who are capable of implementing new ideas and bettering life within our home.
There is an air of apathy in this dorm, because ideas are simply shoved aside. You cannot get anything done when you are talking to someone who refuses to listen and is rarely available for any discussion. We are tired of living in a dorm where our voices fall on deaf ears.
It is time for a change.
Jenny Theis
Tiffany Festi
seniors
Pasquerilla West
Nov. 6
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, November 7, 2002
