Vandalism now on campus might look like little more than people leaving cookies from the dining hall where they don’t belong. But before security cameras covered campus, even just having broken windows was considered progress. This article from March 3, 1983 shows some of it.
Vandalism costs have significantly decreased this semester in comparison to past semesters, according to Janet Evans, director of resident life.
The most damage to occur this term was a broken window on the fifth floor of Thayer Hall, said Evans, and residents of that floor were billed for the cost of the window which totaled $95. Other minor damages include stolen curtains, graffiti and fire extinguishers that were emptied.
Also, an apparent food battle on the fifth floor of Thayer Hall resulted in the entire floor having to be scrubbed down.
“Years ago we used to have quite a problem with vandalism,” commented Evans. “It’s gone from a lot to almost nothing.”
Evans sees a change in the type of student attending Point Park for the decrease in vandalism.
“I think we’re getting a more serious type of student than in the past,” she said. “With the decrease in financial aid, a lot of money may be coming from the students’ pockets — and their parents’.”
Clark Tomer, director of security, thinks students have more pride in their school now because of improvements made this year. “They (the administration) gave students something to take care of — new mattresses, paint jobs, etc.,” said Tomer.
He cited other reasons for the decrease in vandalism, too. “I think we have a better RA staff,” commented Tomer. “Some adjustments in the housing staff helped also,” he continued.
Tomer thinks that vandalism “may pick up after mid-terms” because some students may be dissatisfied with their grades. “Watch your books,” warned Tomer.
Large amounts of vandalism may sometimes have an effect on tuition rates, said Evans, but a small amount of vandalism will not affect tuition.
The reason an entire floor is billed for an act of vandalism is because the school believes that a student will step forward and admit to the act if his peers put pressure on him to do so.
“It’s (vandalism) usually done very late at night, but I’m sure someone has an idea who does it. But no one wants to tell,” commented Evans.
