Resource centers sort out, soothe roommate conflicts

To Campbell Hall resident mentor Tim Stachelski, Facebook.com is nothing more than an Internet facade for students eager to get a peek when they are “going in blind.”

“You can go in expecting one thing and get something completely different,” Stachelski said.

Although Facebook can provide roommates with a preview, there is still the potential for conflict when students from diverse backgrounds come together. Crammed into a tight living space, like the dorms, roommates’ concerns over race, sexual orientation and disabilities can be magnified.

Tim Knight, housing operations manager for Brody Complex and University Village Apartments, said roommate conflict due to cultural differences is not as prevalent as schedule conflict — such as roommates with different sleep patterns.

Housing officials work to correct roommate conflict, Knight said.

“If there’s a problem we try and get it ironed out,” he said. “We always help people if they want to move.”

Sexual orientation and gender identity

As a mentor in Brody Complex last year, Stachelski said he had the experience of a Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender-identified student living on his floor. Stachelski said he made an effort to try to make him feel like a part of the floor.

“It was a barrier to overcome,” he said. “It was almost like a language barrier — it’s a little sad.”

When conflict surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity arises, the LBGT Resource Center often plays a consulting role. Those with gender identity and housing concerns should make arrangements so they feel comfortable, said Angela Brown, director of University Housing.

“The MSU experience is about learning to live, learn and work with a broad range of diversity. This includes sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Brent Bilodeau, director of the LBGT Resource Center. “When roommate conflicts occur, we work in collaboration with the (Department of Residence Life) to help with a resolution as needed.”

Accessibility concerns

Students with disabilities work with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities to determine their housing needs, Brown said.

“We make sure their needs are met,” she said. “It varies depending on the students’ need. With some, because of equipment, to be comfortable on campus and to be successful, it’s difficult to put other students in the room.”

Residence hall mentors, University Housing staff and organizations throughout campus are available to assist students that are having conflict with their roommates – for whatever reason.

When students who don’t request a specific roommate are matched up, University Housing takes the students’ smoking preferences into account and the rest is computer generated, Brown said.

Multicultural living

The Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions has an aide program, which places students of diverse backgrounds in residence halls throughout campus.

The office started as a black aide program in 1969 to support black students at MSU.

Now, it has become a way to help multicultural students navigate the university, said senior coordinator Murray Edwards.

“The program has been very effective for students getting connected and exposing them to connections to resources,” he said. “In terms of personal issues, the aides have knowledge to deal with different cultures.”

Julie Baker can be reached at bakerju6@msu.edu.