Living in University Apartments can be an exciting experience. There are a lot of activities to join and many opportunities to meet people from all over the world. Through out interpersonal contacts, we get to know our similarities and our differences. However, getting along with others may not always be easy. The differences in the ways we act and think may be hard for others to understand. There are times when residents can unknowingly become a source of inconvenience, frustration, or even anger for one another. The hours when single students entertain friends may be the same hours when those with families sleep. Or, when children are playing, this may be a time when a neighbor might be trying to study. Loud music, clutter in front of an apartment, noisy guests, etc., can try one's patience.
What can I do if a problem exists?
Describe the situation to yourself and ask yourself the following series of questions :
- What exactly is bothering me?
- Why does it bother me?
- Who is involved?
- Describe specifically the nature of the complaint.
- When did it start and how often does it happen?
Try to understand why this is occurring:
It is easy to blame others for actions that bother us. However, before we take any action, we must understand the reasons behind what has happened and what we feel about the situation. It is possible that we were just more sensitive to the effects of that event at that time.
Addressing Noise/ Other Problems With Your Neighbor
It has been our experience, as Residence Life Staff, that many people do not know that their behavior or noise level may be bothersome to others. When the noise level is brought to their attention, most individuals are willing to modify their actions to make a neighbor more comfortable. If you are bothered by unreasonable noise, try to talk to your neighbor about the problems you are experiencing. Let your needs be known. Tell him/her about the source of the noise and explain how it is bothering you. If necessary, give your neighbor periodic reminders about your needs. It is important for you to understand that living in University Apartments brings with it freedom, but also responsibility. You are free to make your apartment "home" for yourself and guests. But expectations are that 24 hours a day, your roommate, neighbors, and community members have the right to sleep and study. Guidelines can be found in the University Apartments Community Bill of Rights and Responsibilities section of Spartan Life , which states:
All residents living in University Apartments shall enjoy the right to study and live in an environment free from unreasonable noise and other distractions.
Please note that noise ordinances for the City of East Lansing pertain to you as well. Additionally, there is a "Zero Tolerance" noise practice that is adhered to in University Apartments. You can view the Zero Tolerance policy here. Finally, your lease may be in jeopardy if you choose to violate your roommate or neighbor's rights. If noise problems remain unresolved after these initial steps, you can call the Community Director at University Apartments Residence Life at 353-9499 during office hours. If you require a more immediate response, you should call the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) at 355-2222 and request that they address the noise as it is happening.
Mediation
If you are still experiencing difficulties, contact the University Apartments Residence Life Office at 353-9499. The Community Director will work with you to identify alternative strategies for addressing the problem. For example, the Community Director could speak with the alleged violator about the regulations and ask for compliance.
The Community Director might suggest a meeting between you and the other party, this is a "mediation." A mediation is a negotiation process where an acceptable, impartial, third party (usually the Community Director or a Community Peer) intervenes in the conflict. Mediation is voluntary and both parties need to agree to participate in the mediation process. It is up to the two parties involved to arrive at a solution, since the mediator has no decision-making power. A written agreement is signed by the two parties, and all are expected to abide by the agreement.
Advantages:
Cooperation between both parties creates the opportunity to define the issues, explore options, seek a compromise, and have a fair settlement.
Disadvantages:
The risk that one or both parties may not abide by the decision or change their position. Depending on how a person views it, a compromise may seem like a "loss".
Judicial Settlement
If mediation did not change the situation (i.e., the parties did not follow throughon the agreement) the case may elevate to the judicial level. The complainant will file a disciplinary report citing the University or living area regulation allegedly violated. The respondent will be notified of this complaint. The respondent will meet with an administrative officer and choose whether to admit or deny the allegation. The respondent also decides whether or not s/he wants an administrative officer or a judiciary to conduct a hearing and or take appropriate action. If a judicial hearing takes place, a time is scheduled and a hearing with all participants is conducted. Preparation and attendance is mandatory unless the case is postponed or dismissed. Disciplinary action taken against a student becomes part of the student's University Student Affairs record.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A decision is always made and both parties are administratively bound to abide by the decision. It usually involves a longer period of time.
Any Questions? Contact:
University Apartments Residence Life
1434 B Spartan Village
(517) 353-9499