An often under-discussed perk of being a student leader is the opportunity to be the first student to enter a completely new building or newly renovated building. This opportunity is fun and exciting but as a student leader, you lay the foundation of how the year will progress. While you are still a student leader with a multitude of responsibilities, you are also the eyes and ears for any issues with the new facility.
Living in new construction or a recently renovated building does not automatically mean you are free from all facilities issues. Contractors work closely with individuals from the institution to ensure that the building meets all expected standards and shared visions, but there are some issues that only come to the surface after people have moved into a space. Whether it be a fire alarm cover that is too close to a door or a leak that doesn’t start until multiple people are using the same bathroom at the same time, problems happen.
As a student leader, you may be the first one to find a flaw but that does not mean you should not report it. It is important to communicate any issues you notice early with your supervisor or with your facilities partners. While some issues may seem minor, they could be the start of something major. You should also encourage your residents to report anything they notice. Reporting issues doesn’t mean you aren’t grateful for the new space, it shows you care about it. It is also very important to be respectful when reporting issues. It is just as frustrating for contractors when something is not going as planned as it is for you and your residents.
While the building may be finished, it is not uncommon to see contractors around after the semester starts and the building is opened. Their presence does not always indicate a problem! Sometimes an item may have arrived late and needs to be installed or they are working on other projects in the building. Residents may have concerns about seeing these individuals so be sure not to share any information that has not been verified. If you aren’t sure if someone should actually be there, follow your training and reach out to your supervisor.
While it is important to look out for issues, this opportunity is still extremely exciting. You are one of the first student leaders to make memories in the hall and to turn it into a home for your residents. You have an unique opportunity to create lasting memories not only for residents but for your institution. When planning programs or events, think of ways to tie in the fact that this is the first group of students in the hall. A fun way to do this is to hold events that will give residents keepsakes. One easy keepsake is a picture frame residents get to decorate that include the year.
If you find yourself presented with this opportunity, remember you are laying the foundation for something new. This building is a blank slate that will take on an identity by what other members in the community think of it. Take time to think about what you want people to say about the space and take pride in the fact that you were chosen to start something new. You might not realize it now, but this is a chance that not all student leaders are awarded.
