#umassprobs2015

By the bidding of the overlord Benjamin, this blog is dedicated to exploring the headaches that only UMass students would know.

[umassbathrooms-blog]

Bathroom Poll

               This week, I decided to see what UMass students thought about the quality of the bathrooms at UMass Amherst.  I took a small poll from students who lived in three different residence halls: Knowlton, Van Meter and Kennedy. I choose these halls not only because they were the easiest for me to poll, but also because they each represent a different residential area. I asked each student the question: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the quality and cleanliness of the bathrooms in your residence hall?” Here are the results for the boys and girl’s ratings: 

Here are the ratings by residence hall:

By this data, it’s clear that the bathrooms are not completely horrible. A score of about a 6 is reasonable, although, there could be a lot of improvement. This poll was also on a very small scale, so the information may not be perfect, but I believe that it does give a general idea of the quality of the bathrooms. I also asked the students some follow-up questions as to why they gave the score they did, and how the bathrooms could be improved. The most common responses were, as I expected, about the cleanliness of the toilets and sinks as well as the functionality of the showers.  I also noticed that a lot of the complaints about the girls bathroom’s had to do with the large quantity of hair that is floating around their bathrooms which is very similar to the guy’s problems involving shaving in the sinks, and should be resolved by the students themselves.  

[umassamherstunite2015]

Nice research! I wouldn't say a 5-6 out of 10 is a good rating.  The bathroom that students use daily for hygiene needs (showering, teeth brushing, etc) should have a high rating. Something is wrong if that is not the case.  Cleanliness and functionality should be of the utmost importance for those in charge of campus living conditions.

I would suggest that you expand the poll to other sections of campus.  I know that those living within the Honors College would have a different take on the bathrooms than those in Southwest.  It seems it all comes down to the age of the facility that the bathroom is in and possibly geographic location of the facility.  The Honors College has excellent bathrooms compared to other residence halls on campus.  This disparity should be a concern for the University.

Also, you should take a look at the Frank Dining Common bathrooms.  THEY ARE VULGAR.  Sticky floors, stained toilets, graffiti.  *vomitsprofusely

[umassamherstunite2015]

Photo found at: http://www.umass.edu/uhs/services/tobacco/

While researching the roots of the UMass tobacco-free policy, I became curious as to how students reacted. A quick search yielded a heated news article from the campus newspaper, The Daily Collegian.  The article was following the announcement of the new policy, but before the policy was implemented.  Nathan Lamb’s article “Students should fume over smoking ban” made many bold statements.  He claimed that the policy had an “intrinsically shady nature” and that it was “an ultimatum handed down by the faculty telling students what legal products or substances they can or cannot use during their stay at UMass”.  Lamb’s main point was that the University’s administration did not attend to student voice when considering the policy.  

My opinions of Lamb’s piece can be guessed by looking at some of my other posts.  I am 100% in support of a ban on tobacco products, thus my bias caused me to take his points less seriously.  I know you all are tired of me tooting my own opinions, so I wanted to share with you the opinions of other students.  Sampling 20 honors students living within the honors college, I found some strong opinions.  After reading Lamb’s article to my peers, I essentially sparked a debate on whether his points were valid and whether the policy is justified.  The debate actually became heated at some points; my peers had some strong opinions on the matter.  The overwhelming sentiment was that the students agreed that tobacco should be banned.  What caused the tension was whether the University was overstepping its bounds. Many recognized the fact that the school should have considered the opinions of students, but even more were adamant that the harm of second-hand smoke and the University’s right to impose its will on property it owns outweighed Lamb’s grievances.  

As the volume in the room began to rise, the following points were conveyed:

“Growing up in a house where parents smoked, I hated it… “

“The harm of second-hand smoke is too great.  The health of the students and faculty should be the main concern.  In the end, the policy is protecting the health of the University’s population…”

“The policy would not even be questioned if it was for a middle or high school.  There should be no difference on a university level.  All of them are state-funded institutions and should adhere to the same policies…”

“It’s bogus that they didn’t include student voice.  I agree with the intentions of the policy, but the way the policy was passed did not represent those that would be affected…”

“If the student population wants the bill to be repealed, the administrators should absolutely consider it, because the students are essentially their customers…”

“If people want to smoke, they are going to smoke, regardless of the policy…”

My question now is what do you think?  Read the article (linked below) and decide whether his argument is valid or not.  What is more important?  The intent of the policy, or the way in which the University administration phrased and implemented it?

http://dailycollegian.com/2011/04/14/students-should-fume-over-smoking-ban/

Open the Straw Poll link above and give your opinion!

[familiar-theme-blog]

Ah, Southwest, the true heart of “Zoomass.” Even before considering attending UMass, I already knew one thing for sure: no matter what, I was not going to live in Southwest. Looking back, I am not sure why I was so dead-set on this decision, as I didn’t know a thing about the area besides that it...

[umassamherstunite2015]

Nice post!  I was also frustrated when reporters were claiming that we were rioting. In all reality, nothing really “rioty” happened.  It was really a large gathering.  To help your post, you should include why it was considered a “peaceful riot”.  Would you classify it as a riot at all?  Tie this in with your final paragraph.  

I think your goal was to portray “real” UMass.  Tying in some perspectives of your peers would serve well in a future post!

[umassamherstunite2015]

UMass is not alone!  The Hampshire Mall, just down the road, banned tobacco May 31st, 2012.  When UMass made the decision, it joined 1,100 campuses across the nation.  The drive to remove tobacco is growing.   Thankfully, UMass and its neighbor are a part of it.

[umassamherstunite2015]

A few days have passed and I have not seen any smoking.  Some progress may have been made, but then again, I have not been incessantly monitoring the scene of the crime (entrance to Sycamore Hall).  One of my reliable Sycamorian agents reported that a culprit had distanced himself from the entrance of the building when he persisted to engage in his poisonous habit.  This is progress.  It is not smoke-free, but at least it is moving away from the living environment of Sycamore.  

[umassamherstunite2015]

Behold! A counterstrike! Without directly attacking the culprits or openly stating that they are bad or their actions are bad, these posters get the point across.  These posters highlight some of the major issues with smoking and continue to facilitate the agenda of shaping society’s negative perception of smoking. 

These posters feature a good start, but not a strong stance against the issue.  They are subtly conveying the idea of no smoking.  I believe these posters should be accompanied by a more “in your face” display.  No subtleties in this version.  It should be large and blatant.

From day one of noticing the prevalence of smoking just outside Sycamore, I frequently thought about putting up a massive and obnoxious sign.  I would chuckle at the idea of throwing a few expletives into the slogan, but in all reality, the sign would be a giant NO SMOKING SIGN.

On a serious note, my NO SMOKING sign would have signatures from a sizable population of Sycamore residents around the central text.  This would make the issue a little more personal, as it would feature the handwriting of all those opposed and perturbed by the prevalence of smoking.  The sign would also serve as a Doctor T.J. Eckleburg of sorts (yes, a Great Gatsby reference).  The sign would just stare the culprits down as they proceed to permeate the air with carcinogens.   

[umassamherstunite2015]

It has been more than 50 years since the surgeon general made the statement that cigarettes cause lung cancer.  It is baffling that the issue still persists.  People know that smoking causes cancer.  Why do they continue?  Why are there still teenagers and young adults smoking?

I ask my peers: why do you persist on taking risks?  Why must you inhale poison?  Is there not some other way to curb the longing for nicotine?  Trust me, smoking is no longer “cool”.  Please break from this self-destructive cycle.  Use the resources around you.  See the UMass smoking policy page for assistance.  Dial 1-800-QUIT-NOW and get the support you need!

[umassamherstunite2015]

This commercial always gets me.  It reminds me of the Lord of the Rings or any epic film of man against some demonic, overwhelming foe.  Smoking damages nearly every organ in the body.  Each puff is like allowing the Uruk-Hai into your body to hack your lungs to pieces. Each drag of a butt unleashes a horde of tar monsters to permeate and set up camp within the strongholds of your body’s kingdom.  UMass, do not allow them do such a thing.  Do not fall for the temptation.  Muster the Rohirrim and drive smoking out!  

[umassamherstunite2015]

On April 17th, residents of Sycamore Hall received the following email: 

“I’ve received multiple reports of people smoking right outside the Sycamore entrance. This is problematic on multiple fronts:

    *   We are a tobacco free campus

    *   Some students suffer adversely with the affects of second hand smoke

    *   THEREFORE: Please be considerate. If you plan on violating the Tobacco-free campus policy, please do so across the street, away from the building, doors and any room windows.”

Yes!  The residential director, Nick Rhodes, has finally been alerted or has finally decided to address the issue!  This is a small victory, but a victory all the same! Granted, politely telling rule breakers to follow the rules will probably not do anything, but at least someone higher in the food chain has spoken out.  Now it is time to sit and wait.  Will those guilty be considerate? Or will they proceed to further endanger their fellow Sycamorians with second-hand smoke?

Sycamorians I beseech you, do not allow this issue to perpetuate.  Politely ask those that continue to smoke near our beloved residence hall to take their smoking elsewhere.  Be active bystanders and make this problem a thing of the past!

[familiar-theme-blog]

Residential life at UMass is highly stereotyped, and with a population of 22,000 undergraduates, many of them living on campus, it’s no wonder—the campus is extremely spread out, causing a great separation between all of the residence locations.  The split between the living areas has caused the growth of stereotypes about them: this student-made video pokes fun at these labels, and can also be considered advice for incoming students in choosing their housing.   The community described here seems to be extremely diverse—first we travel to Orchard Hill, which a friendly, welcoming place where “everyone’s door is always open.”  The downside is that the area, while scenic, is a “hike” (but also a great calf workout).  Next, our hosts visit Central, “O. Hill’s hippy sister,” where there are “towels on doors” and “fans in every window” making a generalized statement that everyone who lives in Central is a stoner.  The next bit where Sylvan is described is comical, and innocuous for the most part, as living in the woodsy, secluded area isn’t most students’ first choice.  But Northeast, following Sylvan, is called a place where “the crowds are…pretty diverse, if you’re from Asia or the Middle East.”  This typecast could certainly be deemed offensive and lead viewers unfamiliar with the campus astray; however, the depiction of Northeast as a quieter area where many math and engineering majors live is quite accurate.  Finally, the two stars of the video present their favorite residential area in a hilarious rap break that portrays Southwest in a way that those who have heard UMass Amherst referred to as “ZooMass”—as well as many people who attend UMass—would describe it.  Left out is the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Area, which is a bit harder to typecast, as the buildings are relatively new.  Made up of five buildings named after trees, it is affectionately called the “Nerd Forest” by some, but is mostly just regarded as “those new buildings where the honors kids live.” As a UMass student, I find Sketch 22’s video hysterical; however, although I have been briefly exposed to many of these labels, the descriptions are broad and overarching.  It is certainly helpful to know what you are getting into when choosing your housing, but as a freshman, I was overwhelmed, questioning, “Am I going to party, or will Southwest be a bad influence on me?  I’m pretty “chill,” and have diverse music taste, but am I cool enough to live in Central?  Would I feel too secluded in O. Hill?”  Having the opportunity to join a RAP (Residential Academic Program) was quite a relief, as I didn’t have to intensely over-analyze my personal character before selecting my housing preferences.  And why should you have to perform a deep self-investigation before making a decision that should purely be based on your own comfort level?  The stereotypes described here are true to a minimal extent, but when choosing housing, it is important to keep other standards in mind.

[umassamherstunite2015]

Hey!  Love the post!  This is absolutely true!  Going from Hampshire Dining Commons to Franklin Dining Commons it is like entering an entirely different world.  It would be wonderful to end this “clique” pattern and increase interactions between residence halls. If you are focusing on the #zoomass idea, you should check out news reporting of our campus after the glorious #newenglandpatriots victory.  The news anchors claimed that our celebration was a riot.  My understanding, from the student perspective, was that it was not even remotely a riot.  You should explore this misconception. 

Cheers!

RMB

[umassdiversity]

Throwback to last semester when racial slurs and threats violated the emotional and physical safety of students of color at UMass Amherst, especially in the black community. Josh Odam, a fellow UMass student found his dorm door vandalized with a racist threat, “Kill These Niggers”. Not only was this threat directed at Josh, as it was carved into his dorm door, it also directly affected lives of every black student on the Harambee Designated Residential Community (an all-African-American floor to embrace cultural awareness, diversity, and unity), as well as affecting every black student on campus. Odam says it best when he says “this cowardly act of hate speech not only violated my space, but permeated the ‘harambee’ community we have worked so hard to build … Whoever did this messed with the wrong one. They went to the wrong door, the wrong floor and the wrong community. We will not stand for this ignorance on our campus and will hold the University and ourselves directly accountable to ensure the safety of Black students, students of color and the entire population” in his article for UMass’s Daily Collegian newspaper. 

You’d think people would learn from that ignorant display of verbal violence, but nope, history repeats itself yet again. Just last March, ignorance strikes again; this time, in a Graduate Employee Organization office in our very own Student Union building, in which a message of support and solidarity is vandalized/altered into a message of racist and homophobic hate.

Unfortunately, this will not be the last we see of ignorance in the world, nonetheless at UMass. The Black community at UMass, non-Black students and faculty of color, and white allies must all acknowledge and address any and all unacceptable, ignorant acts of violence such as these. So if you’re a non-Black person of color or white, don’t think this doesn’t affect you simply because you’re not Black. It affects all of us. It is relevant to all of us. These ignorant, hateful acts disrupted the safety and “progress” of the entire UMass community. 

It is evident that ignorance knows no end and neutrality/silence only acts in favor of the oppressor. And to all my fellow PoC’s, don’t be afraid to speak up. We’ve been silenced for too long.

Peace.

- T

[umassamherstunite2015]

T, 

Thank you for blogging this. This message must resound through campus.  This is not an event that should fade with time.  Maintaining awareness will help end the problem.  

It is safe to say that many are behind this message at UMass.

[umassamhersteng112team3]

[prezathena-blog]

(Image 1)

“Man, I only slept for two hours last night. Cramming session for that calculus exam really took it out of me. Its cool though, I will catch up on my sleep this weekend.” –College Student

Does this sound like something you would say? If so, keep reading!

The...

[kushbasu-blog]

The Umass Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community (CHCRC), the newest and most sought after residential area on campus. It looks beautiful and pristine, both inside and out, but is it really this perfect? Unfortunately, in this case, looks can be somewhat deceiving.

Just like...

[deletecringenow]

#ReclaimTheBindi \ Because you cannot pick and choose the parts of our culture that appeal to you, then disrespect other aspects.

Dont smirk\laugh at indian women wearing traditional indian clothing in public, then wear a bindi. Dont “joke” and say “they worship cows and elephants”, then wear a bindi. The racial slur “dothead” still exists and attacks the women who wear bindis religiously. But the struggle it took to express this culture is being downplayed, by people who choose to wear bindis to look hipster or indie. When i wear bindis, they tie me to my homeland, while im halfway across the world. The bindi and my culture have no connection to the hipster fashion. And there should never be a correlation between the two. You can love the indian culture and show it by supporting all aspects of the culture, but dont culture appropriate. Your intentions may not be malicious but it is offensive. Because its not hipster. Its not indie. Its not a costume. Its a culture.

[feministkutti]

[email protected] email their principal. don’t let spoiled white kids turn the deaths of millions of middle easterns a joke.

[omggurneet-deactivated20180622]

😒😒😒😒😒😒

[annevoh-deactivated20170130]

While people must be stopped. Like for real. First that girl who got her BF fake arrested to ask him to prom, now this shit

[feministwomenofcolor]

They need to be stopped what the fuck >:( - Mod K

[feministwomenofcolor]

Fucker probably doesn’t even know what that scarf means, what it symbolizes. So disrespectful.

[ashikuhh]

hi, my name is ashika shah. i was born in india and moved to the us when i was very young. i started kindergarten in america. at first, my parents sent me to school with indian clothes, food, and other culture. they didn’t think anything of it at the time but they didn’t know that the other kids made fun of me for it. i used to hate it so much. they stared and talked about me “behind my back” and asked me things like “why does your lunch look so gross” or “why was your mom wearing that when she picked you up”. it was embarrassing. especially just for a kid. so i did what any other kid would do. i repressed my culture. and i did that until i was in 8th grade. in 8th grade i still wasn’t totally loving being indian and i definitely wasn’t proud of my culture. i was still embarrassed to be seen in public with my parents if they were “acting indian”, but i didn’t totally freak out if someone said something disrespectful. but that all changed this year when i saw pictures from coachella. i saw white girls wearing bindis and head dresses. those were the same white girls who made me feel like an outcast and thought i was “gross” or “fresh off the boat”. they were hypocrites and idiots and it made me angry. now i am proud. fucking proud to be indian! that’s a new feeling that i’ve never felt before and ngl i love it. i am proud of my culture and proud to have some indian heritage. don’t use my culture as a fashion statement, especially if you used to make fun or disclude me because of it. so coachella hippies - please fuck off because brown girls do it best :-)