By: Jonathan Franklin, Senior Writer
Wofford students living in the senior Village and the Michael S. Brown Village Center –commonly referred to as Phase V – will be expecting new changes to the Village living policies going in effect this school year. With the absence of the fraternity row this semester as the new Greek Village is being built, campus officials are hoping that this absence will not result in the increase of parties and disorderly behavior in the apartments.
“We believe these changes will enhance the quality of life in the Village for our students. In addition, the changes clarify the definitions of situations so students are well aware of the consequences of their choices,” says Roberta Bigger, vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
As found in the preamble of the Village Policies within the college’s student handbook, it states, “Living in Wofford’s Village Apartments is considered a privilege, not a right. The highest standards of conduct, cleanliness and decorum are expected. Persons failing to meet these expectations will lose the privilege of residing in these houses.” Compared to the previous Village policies, the new policies are a reflection of what has happened in the past as to prevent them from happening at all during the 2015-2016 school year. The changes to the policies, being reflected this school year, are as follows with the changes shown in bold:
1.Residents of the apartments are responsible for all guests and persons found in their apartments. Residents are not allowed to have overnight guests for an extended period of time. Wofford offers apartment residents a self-regulated visitation program through which the residents mutually agree upon and sign a contract related to their visitation hours. Additional information and contracts are available by request for each unit during the first week of classes. Contracts may be returned to the students’ RA.
2. Students who are 21-years old and who provide opportunities where alcohol is easily accessible or who distribute alcoholic beverages to students or guests who are under the age of 21 years will be fined $300.
3. Common containers of alcohol, including, but not limited to kegs, party balls, ice luges, pony kegs and funnels are prohibited. Drinking games such as beer pong are not permitted. Beer pong tables are not allowed (and will be confiscated). The four residents of the apartment will be fined $100 collectively.
4. Alcohol is allowed in apartments and on porch areas for legal aged residents but is strictly prohibited on the grounds of the apartments (i.e. courtyards, roadway, sidewalks, stairwells, etc.). Alcohol being consumed on porch must be in a cup or container. In accordance with South Carolina state law, residents may not consume alcohol from beer or liquor bottles or cans while on the porch. ($50.00 fine will be administered)
5. Unauthorized parties or parties that exceed 35 people will result in the residents of the apartment being fined $300.
6. Residents of any apartment in which students or guests are found possessing, using or distributing illegal drugs or drugs prescribed to other individuals will have to vacate the apartment within 24 hours of the drugs being found and may have to petition to remain enrolled in classes.
“Overall, I know that the college is trying to protect students to make it a safe environment for those around, but you don’t want to be too overbearing when it comes to certain things,” says senior and Village resident Helena Fulmore.
Senior Daija Rogers agrees with Fulmore.
“You have to have rules or else it will become really chaotic. On the other hand, the fines I believe should be an equal amount versus having a heavier amount for some and a lighter amount for others,” says Rogers.
With these revisions to the Village policies, the expectations for residents living in the Village remain the same as in years past.
“I hope the new policies will improve life in the Village for everyone – those who sponsor social events and those who prefer to entertain their friends in a quieter manner,” says Bigger.
