By Cole Stanchina
In a move that has sparked considerable discussion among its student body, Chestnut Hill College has adopted a set of stringent security policies, including several measures that are highly unusual for an academic institution. Among the most contentious rules is the prohibition on elevator use by students residing in Founier Hall, a restriction that stands out as particularly unconventional in the landscape of college regulations.
The college has also implemented a policy requiring students to provide a 24-hour notice for overnight guests, with a cap of 10 overnight stays permitted for each student throughout the semester. This policy contrasts sharply with the more lenient approach taken by nearby La Salle University, where students are allowed to have guests stay overnight up to four times per month, amounting to a potential total of 20 stays across a semester without the need for a full day’s notice.
Further complicating life on campus, Chestnut Hill College restricts building access to commuters and students who pay tuition, effectively shutting down campus life after 9 p.m. and significantly dampening overall school spirit. This restriction has led to a decrease in evening and night-time campus activities, making it difficult for students to engage in the spontaneous gatherings that often form the heart of a vibrant college community.
Despite these strict rules, the college has faced challenges in controlling access to certain campus facilities. Notably, the gymnasium has been overrun by non-students engaging in pick-up basketball games, highlighting inconsistencies in the enforcement of access policies and raising questions about the effectiveness of the stringent security measures.
Comparatively, La Salle University’s more relaxed policy on overnight guests reflects a different approach to campus security and student life, one that potentially offers greater flexibility and fosters a more inclusive and lively campus atmosphere. This difference underscores a broader debate within academic communities about the balance between security measures and the maintenance of an active, engaging campus environment.
Students at Chestnut Hill College have voiced concerns that the strict policies are not only inconvenient but also create an atmosphere of surveillance and restriction that is at odds with the college experience’s traditionally open and exploratory nature. The debate at Chestnut Hill College reflects a larger conversation happening in institutions across the country, as colleges and universities grapple with the challenge of ensuring student safety while also promoting a sense of community and freedom.
