Spring Break
Open windows could result in $50 fine
Broken pipes, extra energy costs prompt new rule
Jessica Leggin / Campus Editor
Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: News
Some students in residence halls have received warnings from resident assistants and building staff if they were caught with their windows open in their rooms. If students continue to break the rule, it could result in a $50 fine.
In late January, open room windows in Carman Hall caused hot water pipes to freeze and break.
Not only was there building damage, but some residents had personal items such as clothes, textbooks and electronics ruined because of the sprinkler system activating.
Mark Hudson, director of University Housing and Dining Services, said the university struggles to keep residents' windows closed.
"We were telling people to keep their windows closed," he said. "Like, can't you see what happens?"
When a student leaves their window open, a slight breeze can interrupt the thermostat causing it to work harder and generate more heat.
Hudson said the opening of a window may bring upon initial relief but can end up causing a lot of damage.
"Students need to call if they have problems," he said. "If they are receiving temperatures outside the comfort zone then they need to report it."
Hudson said temperatures in the residence halls usually range between 66 and 74 degrees, and if a student does report a problem, it has to be outside of that norm.
"We shoot for 70 but you can't pinpoint every room being the same," he said. "If students would like to be warmer or cooler, then they need to adjust what they are wearing."
Not only does an open window cause freezing pipes, but it can also cause an energy issue, Hudson said. "It's all about using more energy," he said. "It's a conservation effort also."
Hudson said the same goes for a hot day when it comes to open windows. "For hot summer days, if the air conditioner is on, having the window open can bring in warmer air and the system has to work harder," he said.
Hudson said there are some days where students can open their windows. "There are certainly times between heating and cooling days when someone can open and get some air," he said. "We are not saying you can never open your window."
Marni Hussey, an RA in Carman Hall, said she thinks the $50 fine is a strong rule that needs to be enforced. "It's strong because we don't want people to lose a thousand dollars worth of stuff," said the sophomore psychology major.
Hussey said some of her resident's rooms were drenched because of the broken pipes. "The rooms were drenched and laptops, stereos and closet full of clothes worth thousands of dollars were destroyed and the university is not liable if they are not insured," she said.
Students are responsible for all personal items damaged due to the pipes breaking.
Jarvis Hudson, an RA in Carman Hall, said the RAs constantly warn the students about keeping their windows closed. "We are so adamant about keeping these windows closed," he said.
Jarvis Hudson said he is in favor of the $50 consequence if a window is found open.
"People shouldn't have to suffer and lose their things because of others," he said. "This causes extra stress on the team, (resident assistants) and the (building service workers) who have to prevent these damages from occurring."
Gino DiGiulio, a freshman English major, said even though his room received minor damages, he does not think the $50 fine is fair.
"I understand where they are coming from, but we shouldn't really have to pay for the school's bad piping system," he said. "I can see maybe something else happening but not this."
Mark Hudson said he does not want to charge students for having their windows opened.
"I prefer not to charge no one," he said. "This is just our objective to keep the windows closed and some seem to understand that."
Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmleggin@eiu.edu.
In late January, open room windows in Carman Hall caused hot water pipes to freeze and break.
Not only was there building damage, but some residents had personal items such as clothes, textbooks and electronics ruined because of the sprinkler system activating.
Mark Hudson, director of University Housing and Dining Services, said the university struggles to keep residents' windows closed.
"We were telling people to keep their windows closed," he said. "Like, can't you see what happens?"
When a student leaves their window open, a slight breeze can interrupt the thermostat causing it to work harder and generate more heat.
Hudson said the opening of a window may bring upon initial relief but can end up causing a lot of damage.
"Students need to call if they have problems," he said. "If they are receiving temperatures outside the comfort zone then they need to report it."
Hudson said temperatures in the residence halls usually range between 66 and 74 degrees, and if a student does report a problem, it has to be outside of that norm.
"We shoot for 70 but you can't pinpoint every room being the same," he said. "If students would like to be warmer or cooler, then they need to adjust what they are wearing."
Not only does an open window cause freezing pipes, but it can also cause an energy issue, Hudson said. "It's all about using more energy," he said. "It's a conservation effort also."
Hudson said the same goes for a hot day when it comes to open windows. "For hot summer days, if the air conditioner is on, having the window open can bring in warmer air and the system has to work harder," he said.
Hudson said there are some days where students can open their windows. "There are certainly times between heating and cooling days when someone can open and get some air," he said. "We are not saying you can never open your window."
Marni Hussey, an RA in Carman Hall, said she thinks the $50 fine is a strong rule that needs to be enforced. "It's strong because we don't want people to lose a thousand dollars worth of stuff," said the sophomore psychology major.
Hussey said some of her resident's rooms were drenched because of the broken pipes. "The rooms were drenched and laptops, stereos and closet full of clothes worth thousands of dollars were destroyed and the university is not liable if they are not insured," she said.
Students are responsible for all personal items damaged due to the pipes breaking.
Jarvis Hudson, an RA in Carman Hall, said the RAs constantly warn the students about keeping their windows closed. "We are so adamant about keeping these windows closed," he said.
Jarvis Hudson said he is in favor of the $50 consequence if a window is found open.
"People shouldn't have to suffer and lose their things because of others," he said. "This causes extra stress on the team, (resident assistants) and the (building service workers) who have to prevent these damages from occurring."
Gino DiGiulio, a freshman English major, said even though his room received minor damages, he does not think the $50 fine is fair.
"I understand where they are coming from, but we shouldn't really have to pay for the school's bad piping system," he said. "I can see maybe something else happening but not this."
Mark Hudson said he does not want to charge students for having their windows opened.
"I prefer not to charge no one," he said. "This is just our objective to keep the windows closed and some seem to understand that."
Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmleggin@eiu.edu.
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