SAU: Stroller and Crib Soled Separately

by: jessie virgil
Staff Writer

I’ve heard it, and I’m sure you’ve either heard it or said it yourself.  St. Ambrose treats students like children. 

This argument came clear as I attended the open mic nights a few weeks ago. The one thing that intrigued me most was hearing regular student’s opinions on these matters. I say regular student not because I’m special, but because as a student security officer and RA, I have access to information that has changed my point of view on some issues.

The check-in policy was the hot topic of the night as Robert Christopher, director of security and Matt Hansen, director of residence life answered any questions the students could throw at them. Pertaining to the check-in policy, a group of five freshmen females took this opportunity to interrogate Christopher and Hansen, hoping to see a sliver of opportunity that their ideas may be considered as possible changes. 

Now, I’m not trying to put down these girls, because I remember being 18 (I’m 23 now) and wanting to do what I wanted, when I wanted. However, some of their ideas just blew me away. The main suggestion of the night, and usually is concerning changes in the policy, was to allow each student the right to check-in anyone they want overnight. Basically, preferred check-in rules.

Much to the dismay of the flock of freshmen, Christopher and Hansen presented their reasons to why the policy is needed brilliantly. I won’t go into great detail to explain it, but basically the rule is set in place for the student’s safety, mainly for females. One female was highly opposed to this rule, believing that if she were to invite another male into her room overnight she would think she’d know the guy well enough to trust that he would not sexually assault or rape her.

Well, I’m sorry to say the facts speak against her. According to the Sexual Victimization of College Women, published in December of 2000, nine out of ten rape attempts were done by someone the victim knew. Also, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics: National Crime Victimization Survey, published in 2003, 67% of women victimized were assaulted by non-strangers. And, to cap that off, 70% of women raped were raped by non-strangers.

What these students need to realize is that as they mature, their actions and decisions will coincide with the responsibility that goes along with preferred rules that most students come to know and love during their junior year. As sad as it may be, students have to wait out their first two years at St. Ambrose in order to enjoy their true freedom.  And I know that no one magically is worry-free from an assault when they become juniors.

Basically, it all boils down to decision-making. At 21, you make better decisions then you would at 18. At 25, you make better decisions then you would at 21. It’s maturity that stands against us when we believe we know what’s right and what we should be allowed to do.

I think it was best said by a great wise man when he proclaimed that, “humans have a knack for choosing precisely the things that are worst for them.” (My applause to anyone who figures out who stated that quote)

A lot of people who oppose this policy miss the key issue, and that is this is a Catholic university. Anyone who believes that 18-year-old co-eds should be allowed to stay overnight, for what most overnight visits are for, isn’t really following the concept of Christianity.

I understand not everyone that attends this school is a Christian or religious, but they also made the choice in coming here. And to those who believe that we, as private university students, are more intelligent compared to state school students, they need to look at the qualifications needed to come to St. Ambrose.  They aren’t too much different to most public schools.

I know this may sound biased coming from someone who works for security and residence life. However, my experiences have shown me that the rules SAU have set are reasonable. So, when you are feeling down about not being able to have that special guy or girl stay the night, just think of this phrase and as it ironically caps off the situation, ‘such as life.’