College houses are struggling to address this year’s increase in urine-related damages in public spaces.
The rugby team’s annual toga party “Epicuria” at Ladd House was the most egregious night for urination in public spaces, according to President of the Inter-House Council (IHC) Jillian Burk ’16.
“‘Inches of pee’ is the quote we were given,” said Burk, referring to a meeting she had with the Office of Residential Life (Res Life).
But according to Burk, “unprecedented amounts of pee” have been discharged in hallways, public rooms, stairwells, and other public spaces in college houses throughout this semester.
“My roommate was at a party in Helmreich House and saw a boy who shall not be named peeing in our trash can,” said resident Mimi Paz ’17.
Assistant Director of Residential Life Mariana Centeno explained that Res Life wants students to be respectful of the living spaces of house members and that urinating on their living space is highly disrespectful for the house members and the College.
Members of the IHC think that the problem is largely due to a shortage of available bathrooms during registered events.
“It is a form of damage to the house, but people don’t often think about it at the time,” said Burk.
According to Burk, the Office of Residential Life informed the IHC that the excessive urination may lead to rodent problems.
“There are mice. I hear them every night,” said Paz. “Over Fall Break, one girl [in our house] saw one.”
Burk explained that there have been conversations about having College Houses have one porta-potty per registered keg, but the idea was dismissed because it would force College House residents to incur high costs for other students’ offenses.
While the College hasn’t created a new policy for addressing the urination, the IHC has encouraged house members to try to get the names of urinating students so that they may be held responsible for the damages.
However, Centeno explained that she has not had any students turned in for their transgressions, though Burk noted that some students were held accountable for urinary damages last year.
“Pee’s nasty” said Centeno.