by Keri Burson
Daily Lobo
Along with the convenience of living on campus comes the student responsibility to ensure rooms are properly cared for, and officials say so far damage has not been a major problem at UNM.
"Students live hard in the residence halls, but I don't think they're abusive," said Robert Schulte, director of housing and food services.
UNM collects roughly between $18,000 and $20,000 in damage charges from residents every year, Schulte said. A large part of which comes from a $50 fee students are charged if they fail to complete a room inspection before they move out. Between 8 and 10 percent of students do not do this, Schulte said.
According to the 2003 - 2004 Residence Hall Handbook students are responsible for missing University property or damage to their rooms. It also states, "charges will be assessed by the Housing Services Office when damage is reported."
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Kayla Jantz, a freshman living on campus, said despite what is mentioned in the handbook she was unaware of the damage policy.
"They said that if we noticed any damage to report it right away. That's all I was told."
Wayne Sullivan, residence life senior area coordinator, said students are required to sign inventory cards before they move in and before they leave to document what damages have occurred upon their stay. Students have these two opportunities, he said, to inquire about damage charges.
"We have two points of contact." Sullivan said. "They can certainly ask questions at that point."
Every on-campus housing resident is required to make a $100 deposit prior to moving in, Schulte said. Damages found in the rooms when students move out are deducted from this fee. Amounts in excess of this charge are billed to the students' accounts.
"If there is a balance due, it will prevent you from registering and will eventually disenroll you," he said.
Although there is a price for living carelessly, Schulte said he encourages students to feel comfortable in their rooms.
"I do not expect anyone to walk into our facility and not make it their home."
He also said students are rarely charged for the normal room deterioration. When charges are required, he said, "It's not a case of dispute between normal wear and tear; it's pretty much on the abuse side."
Schulte said some common things students are charged for include repainting walls, replacing blinds, replacing window screens and lost keys.
Because of security, some items tend to be more expensive than others, he said.
"Lower level security screens will run a student around $130." He also said when students lose their keys, every lock has to be replaced, not just the keys.
According to the 2003-2004 Residence Handbook, "All residents may also share collective financial responsibility for damage that occurs in the commons areas or dining hall."
Schulte said, however, this action is rarely taken.
"I cannot say we've never done that, but it's territory that is laden with problems. If you punish one person unjustly, it's just not right," he said.
Jantz said more should be done to assure students are knowledgeable about possible charges.
"I think it should be a part of orientation or maybe we should have housing meetings," she said. "I don't think any of us are aware."
