In less than two years Virginia Wesleyan will be home to one of the most advanced student recreation centers in the nation. Over $18 million will be invested in this project that will benefit the campus community in many ways. This building will be complete with a new pool, new furniture, new tennis courts and many new resources for students to use and enjoy. Recently, though, several students on this campus have been abusing what is already available to them. What a shame it would be to invest all of this time and money into a multi-million dollar project, only to have it vandalized because some students were looking for some fun on a weekend night and couldn’t control their actions.

Vandalism is an apparent issue on this campus and, therefore needs be addressed to inform the community of the consequences of such violent actions. Violators of college policy will be sanctioned and should know their actions will be punished. The Virginia Wesleyan Student Handbook states under Community Standards: Expectations and Responsibilities that "Virginia Wesleyan students are encouraged to embrace the following standards as appropriate and affirmed behaviors and actions in daily living," including respecting "the property and/or personal belongings of others and the property of the college."

The handbook goes on to explain the following actions which constitute misconduct and the ramifications if a student is found in violation of one or more of the policies: "deliberate, malicious, careless or negligent destruction of college property or the property of others; using college property other than for its intended purpose ... Improper conduct in the Residence Halls; failure to abide by regulations."

As of this writing, just one student has been punished for actions against college policy in regards to vandalism. According to sources, the student received eight sanctions including financial responsibility for the damage, limited visitation rights, and special status on attending the college. The student also had to write a letter to VWC students admitting fault and explaining the consequences anonymously. It doesn’t seem to hold much ground to make a student own up to their crime anonymously. It would be like one student beating up another and later calling them up to apologize remaining nameless.

The bottom line is, damaging public and private property affects everyone. Residents and their parents will receive needless bills at the end of the year due to destruction on their halls, destroying the campus grounds reflects poorly on the maintenance of the college when prospective students visit, and stealing or damaging other people’s property discourages them from their reason for being here to get an education. Always keep in mind those famous words of your kindergarten teacher: You wouldn’t act that way at home, would you?

CORRECTION

The Marlin Chronicle would like to make some clarifications concerning the article "Handicap accessibility" in the Oct. 22 edition. Allowing disabled students who wish to spend the night in Village III is an issue that is still being evaluated by campus administrators. Also, freshman Clay Rushing does not have to write his won protocols for aids and procedures such as fire drills, he has to re-address already existing campus protocols concerning these issues.