"Those hours have been in place for years," said Kim Trupp, director of housing and residence life. "They've been approved by the Board of Trustees, and we don't change them unless students want it to be changed."
Well, it seems the students do want them to be changed.
These words by Trupp in a November 2010 article in The Auburn Plainsman have provided a rallying cry for a group of students who wish to see opposite-sex visitation hours extended.
Regardless of opinions on the issue, the students should firstly be commended for their efforts.
Any instance where students take it upon themselves to advocate for a rule change versus continually breaking those rules should be applauded.
The reason for their efforts, however, does warrant discussion.
On-campus housing is designed to serve as a transition from home life with parents and curfews to independent living where anything goes.
In such a situation, there must be rules. Resident assistants follow protocol (we hope) not because they wish to practice their parenting skills, but because they have the safety of their residents in mind.
However, knowing this does not mean dorm rules should be taken on the chin and accepted as unchanging decrees.
The policies should have some flexibility and must be responsive to student and parent wishes.
While on-campus housing must be a nurturing, transitional environment, the University shouldn't forget it is housing thousands of young adults who are having sex, regardless of any rules.
Because of this, the University should not be afraid to experiment with rule changes.
Cues can be taken from other universities that have implemented systems where certain halls have no visitation restrictions while others do.
Or perhaps roommates could come together and sign an agreement as to what the standards for that room will be. This could serve to prevent arguments and confrontation when Cindy brings home Jim every night and Sally eventually gets sick of it.
The possibilities for change are endless, but one thing is clear: the University should stop embracing a backward policy that turns a shy cheek to the ever-present reality of college sex.
RAs should serve in an advisory capacity, offering help to students stressed from schoolwork or depressed from home-sickness. They should be set free from their role of the parent away from home.
Kim Trupp gave students their marching orders last fall. It is time for the University to stand up and be courageous.
It must listen. And change.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
