The World of Sam Reynolds

For the past two weeks Community Advisors in SFU’s residences have been holding meetings reminding residents about the changes to the rules during the two week Olympic break. These changes were outlined in an addendum to the licence (SFU doesn’t offer housing under the BC Tenant act) agreement signed by students when they moved into residence.

According to the addendum, any sort of party in residence, defined as a social gathering of seven or more people where alcohol is being consumed, are banned. The addendum also prohibits residents from allowing another person to occupy their room if they are away for the Olympic break. Guests are permitted, though they must display identification and register with the Residence and Housing Office. Also stipulated in the addendum is that residents must have their University identification on them at all times as Residence and Housing staff as well as University staff will be conducting identification checks.
Any violation of the addendum will result in a fine beginning at $250, and incrementing by $250 for each subsequent violation.

The residence contract offered to students at the University of British Columbia also has an Olympic addendum, though it contains no such clause prohibiting parties or social gatherings. Staff at UBC are organizing Olympic themed events staying on campus during the two week break.
In a statement sent out by email Jan Flagel, Director of Residence and Housing claimed that this addendum was added to ensure the residence community remains safe during the Olympic closure.

However, some students were critical of the addendum.

“What is this, Trinity Western University?” mused Matt Brown, a resident of McTaggart-Cowan Hall.

“It seems like the SFU administration are engaging in their own little war on fun and preventing a great opportunity to build a stronger campus community with these increased regulations” continued Brown.

Nathan Briscoe an exchange student also residing in McTaggart-Cowan Hall echoed Brown’s sentiment: “I can understand how and why they may be trying to do it [increase security measures], though there are better ways of going about it”.

While the reaction from students was mostly critical, some offered kinder words for SFU’s administration.
Mark Burnham, a resident of the Towers was convinced that students were getting overly worked up about the issue and tried to convey a sense of calm.

“As long as you use some common sense it won’t really be too bad.”

Origianlly appeared in the January 25 2010 issue of The Peak.