To the Editor, Kate Stebbins and the Luther Community:

As members of the Residence Life staff, we would like to take this opportunity to respond to a few of the concerns that were raised in an April 10 letter to the editor.
In regard to the concern on the alcohol policy, the Residence Life staff does not serve as a police force. Residence Life staff members serve to document what they experience and relay that information to the Hall Director or Area Coordinator. It is the HD/AC who uses his or her best judgment to discern whether or not a policy violation has occurred and if so, determine the appropriate consequence. This process of “documentation” includes a detailed description of how the incident came to his or her attention. It should be noted that the vast majority of alcohol policy violations that are encountered, and subsequently documented, are the result of an initial noise policy violation.

This brings us to our second issue: the concern regarding the noise policy in Olson Hall. All residence halls enforce the campus-wide policy regarding 24-hour courtesy hours in order to respect the studying and living space of all students. On an interesting, and perhaps enlightening note, it was found through the environmental survey conducted this academic year that the majority of students living in residence halls on campus consider noise to be a considerable issue and desire a quieter environment in the residence halls. It is true that each incident encountered does require a certain judgment call on the part of the Residence Life staff member in assessing whether or not a situation is appropriate to document. However, it can be assured that this time-consuming process is neither sought after nor enjoyable for the Residence Life staff or other students living in close proximity to such disturbances.

Our goal in writing this letter is to inform and educate. We believe in the freedom of speech, but each speaker has the responsibility to engage in communal response to that speech. Education of college policy is vitally important to flourishing, respectful community life. Positive and engaging communication usually stems from a place of empathy and respect, not anger. If there are further concerns regarding access to information or consistency in enforcing policy, we encourage you to utilize the resources made available to you. Residence Life staff members would be a great place to start.

Sincerely,

Beth Goskesen (‘08), Brandt Resident Assistant/Assistant Hall Director
Lindsey Bulger (‘08), Olson Hall Manager