In an effort to improve cleaning services and alleviate the clutter created by shower caddies, Housing Management for West I created a policy that prohibits students from leaving their personal belongings in public bathrooms. Some of West II's governance has followed suit.
While enforcement of the policy has varied, West I Housing Management established the new rules before the school year began. Signs have been posted on bathroom doors throughout West I's jurisdiction-which includes Kilgo, Clocktower, Craven and Crowell quadrangles-informing students to clear out personal items.
"We have had real problems with the sanitary situation in many bathrooms," explained Shawhan Lynch-Sparks, West I facilities manager. "We've received complaints from the students saying the bathrooms aren't clean, but cluttered window sills and floors make it difficult for the housekeepers to clean. "
The new rule follows those on East Campus, where students are also prohibited from storing their belongings in the bathroom.
Lynch-Sparks noted that the new requirement is in keeping with Section V of Students' housing license, which reads: "No personal effects may be left in the hallways, stairwells, or common areas of the residence halls; any personal effects so found will be disposed of at the discretion of the Department of Housing Management."
However, Lynch-Sparks says that items will not be thrown out if students do not comply with the policy but rather put in storage.
The administration of West II has not enacted this formal rule in their dormitories, which include Trent, Few, Wannamaker and Edens quads.
"Each dorm must communicate with their housekeepers, and if the problem cannot be worked out, then it will be deferred to the supervisor so we can work the situation out," said John Duncan, West II facilities manager.
However, many West II dorms have had similar warning signs posted in their bathrooms.
"It all comes down to personal hygiene. I wouldn't want my personal items to be left where anyone could use them," Duncan said. "And by clearing the windowsills and floors, it makes it possible for housekeeping to do a thorough cleaning job."
Many students support Housing Management's attempt to improve the sanitary conditions in bathrooms.
"I have not received any negative responses from my dorm," said Trinity junior Nicole Grannis, president of Cleland Dormitory. "Personal items were in fact hindering the cleaning ability of the housekeepers by blocking the mirrors and windowsills."
Others, however, are upset about what they see as a lack of communication from Housing Management.
"It bothers me that they can just take our stuff with no communication other than signs," said Anne Jackson, an engineering junior and resident of Roundtable Dormitory.
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