February 2, 2016
By Nayah James
Students in Dominican’s Residence Halls had a chance to vent about complaints and problems, learn about new developments, and make suggestions at Tuesday night’s Resident Student Association meeting.
Coughlin 3 RA Alancia Crossley spoke about trash being left outside residents’ doors, while a freshman pointed out that the “Trash Rooms” on each floor weren’t noticeable enough.
Power 3 resident and Hall Representative Valentina Moyao asked about problems with the elevators. An RSA member replied that “The elevators are going to be gut out and redone, they might be fixed by spring break, but no definite date.”
Other students brought up the issue of loud music being played at random hours of the day and disrupting other residents. Crossley had a solution.
“Let people know they’re being disruptive,” she said. “Knock on their door and inform them. If you are uncomfortable go to you RA, make sure to speak up at floor meetings.”
Students were also concerned about room selection for the next school year. Some were worried about going to Aquinas Hall at the Priory Campus. But Aquinas RA Brianna Mitchell praised her hall.
“Aquinas is a place of peace, it’s like your own little apartment,” she said.
RSA President Mateo Alcauter announced that there would be a new ban on smoking that will kick in August 2016.
“No more smoking areas on campus, everyone will have to go off campus, most likely across the street literally, but that may cause the community to look bad,” Alcauter said. “E-cigs, vapes, hookahs, any smoking is not allowed on campus.”
Students also learned that applications for Diversity Advocate and Resident Assistant positions would be due Feb. 5.
On Feb. 4 students who participated in last semester’s “Silent No More” protest will lead a discussion about racism, racial stereotyping and the microaggressions they’ve experienced on Dominican’s campus.
Diversity advocates Janet Galindo and Rubi Tabar will be there supporting students who participated in the protest. “We will be there supporting them as student leaders and encouraging them and others to speak up and express how they feel.”
RSA members answered students’ concerns as carefully and effectively as possible as well as took detailed notes as students’ spoke to ensure residents that they were heard loud and clear.
jamenaya@my.dom.edu