Incidences in Residence Hall One this semester have upset more than a few students. But unless students follow through with an official complaint, the issues cannot be addressed and changes cannot be made. In order to for change to occur, an official complaint must be filed with Heather Klisanin, assistant director of residence life and housing. But some students may be unaware of the process.
“I need it in writing. It’s best in an email,” Klisanin said about complaints from residents.
If a student’s documented complaint is not detailed enough, and is more like a vague disliking of a situation, Klisanin will respond and ask questions about the reasons behind the complaint.
“I need enough information to move forward,” Klisanin said. “The more detail, the better.”
Then it is a matter of investigating to make sure the complaint is a valid concern. Klisanin follows up with the person who complained and proceeds to speak to the people involved in the complaint.
“If [the student is] going to accuse someone, I need the information,” she said.
If the complaint is “something urgent,” with more details provided and information that is factual and not just opinion, Klisanin is able to move forward quickly. If the complaint involves the RHO staff, Klisanin suggests the resident talk to a resident assistant or Ashley Glenke, graduate assistant in residential life and housing.
Klisanin said she met with the RAs as a group and individually about the late night room checks on the first weekend of October, after verbal complaints from residents.
It is also important to provide Klisanin with contact information, she said. Information about the student who files the complaint will remain confidential, but if she does not have the person’s information, it is difficult for her to move forward, she said.
“I always look into any concern,” Klisanin said.
Sometimes the main reason behind a complaint is the students complaining are “not educated” on the subject matter and Klisanin “cannot help if they don’t tell me [they do not know],” she said.
The goal is to keep the residents happy, not necessarily catch them doing something wrong.
“By no means am I looking to surprise anyone,” she said.
Klisanin compared filing a complaint to completing a work order form or writing a paper for class—she needs details before she takes action.
Glenke is the residents’ first person of contact.
“Students aren’t used to having Ashley, they’re used to going to RAs or Kay-lynne [Taylor, director of student services],” Klisanin said.
If Glenke cannot solve a concern or problem, she will direct the student to file a written complaint with Klisanin.
As far as a verbal complaint or having discussions with residents, Klisanin said she does not limit with whom she will meet. She is available to students and will work with them to make them happy, she said.
“I just need to know details to proceed,” Klisanin said.
Who do I contact about a clogged disposal?
My child left the building for break and a roommate left the sink full of dirty dishes and the other disposal side of the sink is totally backed up and not draining.
I can’t imagine how bad this will get if it gets left unattended.
Who do I contact to let them know about this?
Thank you!