Seton Hall University - Galleon Yearbook (South Orange, NJ)

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Livin’ In The Dorms Or, How I Finally Learned To Make My Own Bed, Do My Wash, Clean My Room . . . By Bill Grau It’s a late winter night on the Seton Hall campus, and the outside lights of the school library cast an almost ethereal glow upon the freshly fallen snow. Suddenly, darkness. The library closes, and a steady stream of students departs from the building. Many hasten off quickly in the chilly air, and head toward the parking lots. Pausing only to brush off the snow from their cars, they begin the slow, hazardous drive home. A lone figure darts out of the library. Rich Escandon, president of the Resident Students Association, finishes up some late night studying and heads for home. At one time, Rich would have joined the others walking toward the parking lots. But now, he heads in the direction of Boland Hall. Rich is one of nearly 1,000 students who make their homes in the Seton Hall dormitories during the school year. And the number of resident students keeps growing, slowly wearing away the University’s image as strictly a “commuter school.” “Nothing compares to living in the dorms,” said Rich, who commuted to Seton Hall from his home in Colonia during his freshman and sophomore years. It’s just great — the benefits are endless.” Indeed, the benefits do seem unlimited. The casual atmosphere of the dorms, which most students cite as its main plus, allows them independence and freedom. Special activities are also boundless, as the dorms sponsor a wide variety of events during the school year. Convenience also plays a major role in a student’s decision to live in the dorms. “Everything you need is right in your room,” said Rich. “Clothes, books, a place to relax. If you’re tired, you can always return to your room and take a nap between classes. “You can even sleep up until 10 or 15 minutes before your first class,” he added. “You don’t have to worry about parking. Sometimes commuters have to allow that much time just to find a space,” he laughed. Even studying is easer, with the library within nearby walking distance. At exam time, the sounds of typewriters fill the halls as students rush to finish last- minute assignments. The coed Boland Hall complex has 650 students. Three hundred women live in the Women’s Residence Hall. In the more modern women’s residence, rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, and the pleasant smell of brownies or chocolate chip cookies fills the corridors. Each floor also contains washers and dryers, while each suite has its own ironing board. “Community irons,” when the women get together to iron their clothes, allow the chance for socializing, conversation and watching the latest soap opera. Students were allowed to paint their rooms for the first time this year. Pastel shades of green, blue, beige, white and yellow soon dotted the walls of both dormitories as students added a touch of creativity to their campus homes. Meals for both dorms are cooked by Macke Food Service, one of the nation’s largest college food chains. Students are offered (Top) Sandy Munson and Michelle Zimmer- man move back into Boland Hall after winter break. (Above, left to right) Rich Escandon, presi- dent of the Resident Students Association; Boland Hall; a student relaxing in her dorm room; snowbound cars near the Women’s Residence Hall. 24 Dorms

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What parking lines? Inadequate plowing of campus lots made parking next-to- impossible. Students parking in the Walsh Gymnasium lot were forced to leave their cars in main roadways, blocking the exit of other cars. With ticket in hand, Bud Barry (left) debates a parking summons with four members of the University Security Force. Barry was given a two dollar fine for parking in a “No Parking” zone. that the present $10 parking decal be maintained, but suggested that the University charge evening students, faculty and staff members who presently do not pay. They also recommended that reserved spaces for faculty and administration be eliminated, with the exception of priests who live on campus. The Task Force also is studying plans for resurfacing and expanding the lots. Ferrugia said, “Hopefully when students return to the campus in the fall they will find less congested lots and a parking sticker price that has not increased.” Jj, Commuters 23

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the option of either signing up for meal plans or eating out. Meals are often highlighted by special menus. Hawaiian, Mexican and Chinese nights have proved popular with the students, complete with international decorations. European nights have featured weiner schnitzel, beer and wine. The RSA-sponsored Food Committee allows the students the opportunity to participate in meal planning. Students make recommendations to the food service about likes and dislikes. They also help plan special meals. Dan Aeon once sponsored an Italian night, complete with various pasta specialties from his homeland. “Ice cream bashes” and “Make Your Own Sub Days” have also proved popular. “There ' s a much friendlier atmosphere in the dorm cafeteria,” said Escandon. “In the Galleon Room, people tend to ignore each other.” Dorm life is not without its share of problems, however. Litter ranks as the number one problem. Crushed beer cans and candy wrappers sprinkle the “Quad Area” in front of Boland Hall, and a stepped-up litter war is being waged. Vandalism has also proved to be a problem, but many attempts have been made to curb its effects. To discourage student vandalism in the dorms, a $10 “Vandalism deposit” is collected from each student at the beginning of the year. This year, students each received $7 back on the deposit, which reflects $3,000 worth of damage during the past school year. A rash of false fire alarms during the past year also brought Dorms 25