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A fire escape sign from a dorm in East Campus cost the University $138 to replace. Costs to cover similar incidents have been adding up this semester.

Univ. alerts students about East Campus vandalism

By: RAISA HABERSHAM

Posted: 10/29/08

When University budget cuts are at 6 percent, every cost is a concern.

Small amounts spent to replace vandalized signs at East Campus Village are just one of the costs.

Several areas in McWhorter Hall and Building 1512 have been vandalized this semester. In the first incident, someone removed a fire safety evacuation sign from the sixth floor of Building 1512 on Oct. 16. The cost to replace it was $138.

In other incidents, a formal documentation was not required because a maintenance or custodial worker reported a missing or torn down sign.

Kathryn Hall, area coordinator of East Campus Village, sent an e-mail to residents in both halls on Friday to inform them of the vandalism and the billing process. The specifics about the time and place are not given, but e-mails are sent to remind students that damages cost the resident halls.

"Some students tear [signs] off the wall. In one case it looked like a sign was burnt," Hall said. "If workers discover signs missing, they place work orders and we replace signs. Unless it is major, it is not going to be entered into our judicial process."

Incidents can only be formally reported by village community assistants, she said.

"Their documentation is for judiciary purposes," she said. "But if the vandalism occurs without there being any cameras around, we code it as unknown person, unresolved or facilities."

Costs to replace signs range between $100 to $150. Last year, $2,000 to $3,000 was spent on sign replacements in East Village Commons. This semester $500 has been spent.

"Students think it is funny, but they don't understand the signs are put there for a reason."

Students are rarely charged for the vandalism because those who vandalize are often visitors during football gamedays or guests of residents. Residents should be responsible and escort guests, especially when they are intoxicated or tailgating, she said.