Dear Donlon Residents-
I hope this email finds you all well rested and ready for the break and weeks ahead! I hope that the many programs, initiatives, and spontaneous activities hosted in Donlon have supported your first-year transition and acclimation to the University environment. While these times have continued to be stressful with the impacts of the pandemic(s), international political turmoil, and natural disasters impacting our home states and countries, I hope you are finding healthy and sustainable ways to cope and take care of yourselves the best way you know how.
Alongside you, I proudly call Mary Donlon Hall home and you might have noticed that some of the amenities Donlon proudly advertises have not been accessible to the larger community. Within the past couple of weeks, we have observed and are navigating the aftermath of:
- Vandalism- Graffiti in pool room
- Destruction of Property- Pool sticks and Pong paddles snapped in half
- Uncleanliness- Trash improperly disposed or disposed in inappropriate locations
These behaviors and actions conflict with the expectations outlined with the House Rules and guidelines we created together as a community during our first-floor meetings. Regardless of the intention behind the actions, they create an uncomfortable and unwelcoming living environment for our community member and campus partners. It also impacts residents' availability to utilize amenities within the community.
In addition to damaging and defacing our community, committing acts of vandalism greatly impacts our community and is inconsiderate to those who care for our facilities. Our Building Care staff members work around the clock to keep our shared spaces tidy, clean and inviting. Damages to the community impact regular timely upkeep due to the reallocation of resources.
To that end, if destructive behavior continues, I may have to implement community billing for damage. I do hope that it will not come to this.
Moving forward, the hope is all community members treat each other and the community space with respect. Should community members not meet expectation in the future, there may be stricter procedures for renting all items such as pool cues, ping pong paddles and other programmatic or entertainment supplies. It is my hope that these issues are not exacerbated and to help with that, I ask that we all come together and:
- Become active bystanders:
- Remind our guests and building mates to take care of the community.
- Speak up and address others if you notice any concerns. Engage in meaningful conversation about the impact of our actions.
- As a reminder, residents are responsible for and may be held accountable for the action of their guest(s).
- Report damage to the RA on Call (607-327-1417, 7pm-8am), Triad RA, or Residence Hall Director (cv247@cornell.edu)
It is my sincere hope that we will be able to enjoy a healthy and productive semester and we thank you for your cooperation and care. If you have any concerns, please chat with your RAs, Community Council Representatives, or me.
Cliff-Simon Vital, M.S.
Pronouns: He/Him/Él
Mary Donlon Hall, Residence Hall Director
Housing & Residential Life
Cornell University
Office: (607)255-0520 | HRL Main Office: 607-255-5368
E: cv247@cornell.edu | cliff-simonvital@cornell.edu
Check out the vibrant Mary Donlon Residential Community
Schedule a quick meeting with me here: https://calendly.com/cv247/15min
BLM