Residents of South Hall, an all-male dorm on the University of Memphis campus, have signed a petition to combat poor living conditions of the dorm.
Andre Darnell, a resident of South Hall and Community Service Chair of the U of M, sent a letter to Residence Life that listed multiple issues about the dorm. Among these issues included poor lighting, moldy rooms, old carpets and no service from Blue Line buses. Darnell wanted these issues to be resolved before the beginning of next semester.
“I expect a lot more out of Residence Life and the University of Memphis as a whole,” Darnell said. “Their students are concerned, as they saw the names on the petition. They want something to be done.”
Darrell Ray, the interim director of Residence Life and vice president for Student Affairs, responded to Darnell’s email by suggesting he submit work orders for the listed issues. He also encouraged Darnell to become involved with the Residence Hall Council “to provide a voice for student concerns.”
One complaint in Darnell’s letter was that the former kitchen area of South Hall was given to the rifle team’s building next door. Ray said South Hall was not initially constructed with a kitchen space.
“There is already a kitchen, but they’ve given it over to the rifle team,” Darnell said. “They occupy that little space right now. That’s left us without any type of kitchen area … Everybody can’t afford a refrigerator or microwave. Other dorms have it; why don’t we have it?”
Darnell said the living conditions of South Hall take a toll on some residents’ health. He recalled a time in which the moldy atmosphere of the dorm caused his asthma to act up.
“Luckily, I’ve got good health insurance through my parents,” Darnell said. “But what if somebody isn’t even able to have accessible health care? That could be another issue in itself.”
The window in Darnell’s dorm frequently leaks a brown substance. Darnell said this substance can be found on windows in almost every room in South Hall. He also said one resident had insects on his window due to the leak.
“On the Res Life page, it says, ‘We want to have safe and well-maintained communities and dorms,’” Darnell said. “This is not safe, and this is not well-maintained.”
Other dorms on campus, such as Centennial Place and the Living Learning Complex, have access to transportation services such as the Blue Line buses and Tiger Escort, a service that provides rides for students who feel unsafe walking on campus at night. South Hall does not have access to any of these services, Darnell said.
“Safety is also an issue as well, not just the building itself, but you have to think about if it’s dark, Tiger Escort doesn’t come across the tracks,” Darnell said. “The Blue Line doesn’t come over here. It goes all the way to the South Campus, but it can’t even pull in front of here, and there are people here with disabilities who have trouble walking back and forth.”
Darnell said he and other South Hall residents will attend a town hall meeting Monday where they will address the issues.
“I’m going to keep fighting,” Darnell said. “If they don’t find it important, measures will be taken, and more people will continue to know about how this dorm is. It’s not just about me, it’s about students afterwards as well, and that’s the most important thing.”
Ray said students who have complaints about the living conditions of their dorm can submit work orders.
“Students are always able to submit requests for maintenance issues or challenges,” Ray said.
Students have concerns about the minimal lighting at the entrance of South Hall. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
In the lounge area of South Hall, one of the water fountains is both broken apart and dirty. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
In the lounge area of South Hall, a piece of tape covers where a light should be. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
In the lounge area at South Hall, all of the vending machines advertise accepting dining dollars, yet they do not. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
Windows at South Hall show dirt and grime due to not being cleaned. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
Only these six pairs of washers and dryers are available for residents of South Hall to use. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
Both the stained carpet and dirty walls at South Hall are among several complaints residents have about this dorm. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
The shared bathroom in South Hall shows signs of decay from its old age. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
The walls inside the dorm rooms of South Hall show layers of dirt. Many residents of South Hall are frustrated with the condition of the dorm.
