Community agreements aim for harmony on resident halls

New to resident halls this year are community agreements designed to help establish the norms and expectations of life in the dorms. These new community agreements are not policies, but are rather “community builders.” Community agreements are unique to each hall and are signed by all the residents to provide a mutual understanding between everyone living in the dorms. Dr. Keith Moore, Director of Residence Life, believes these agreements give students the right to “voice their concerns and expectations of others so they have an understanding of their surroundings.”

According to Moore, there was not a specific event that prompted these agreements to be put into effect.

“It was simply a good thing to do.”

In a way, the program has always existed and it is common in colleges and universities across the country. This concept helps to define what the acceptable and unacceptable behaviors in the dorms are. These agreements are a useful resource for resident assistants. Patti Carnrike, RA for upstairs Gum Hall, believes the community agreements are a positive addition.

“[They] can be a really good thing if you want to make the hall a community and bring the hall closer together,” she said.

Colin Mack, the RA for downstairs Gum Hall, agrees. He likes the agreement and thinks it will provide house rules and standards for residents to be held accountable for their actions.

Examples of what might be included in a community agreement are the standards of cleanliness in the hallways. Students also have the right to ask other residents to turn down their music while they are trying to study. Resident, Stephen Pursley feels that the community agreements are ultimately a good thing because they create a sense of order.

“The agreements bring about more freedom in the long run because nonconformance will only lead to more extensive rules,” says Purseley.

Similarly, resident Candice Whitney believes that it is all about respecting each other and having common courtesy without conflict.

“Community agreements stretch the boundaries without breaking the rules.”

The RA is the moderator, but it is ultimately the residents’ responsibility to uphold theses agreements. It is hoped that community agreements will improve life in the resident halls at Virginia Wesleyan College and lead to a more enjoyable experience of living in the dorms for students.