Writing on the ceiling, peeling buttons, and burn marks on the walls have become a frequent sight in elevators across campus during the past two semesters. 

In an effort to warn students about the consequences of elevator vandalism, new $900 signs were placed in all dormitory elevators advising students to take defacing seriously. 

But some signs, such as those in the Colonial Building, have already been damaged this semester.

The 5 – by – 8 half inch purple placards posted in elevators in Paramount, Piano Row, the Little Building, and the Colonial Building, were put in place in hopes of making vandals think twice before they act, said Director of Housing and Residential Life David Haden. 

The signs, he said, were meant to be an investment that saves the college money in the long run.  

Burning, carving, graffiti, and jumping or rocking in the elevators, the notice warns, can “result in expulsion and possible criminal prosecution.” The signs also request that students report anyone defacing or damaging an elevator to public safety.

For the last two semesters, serial graffiti taggers and burn marks from lighters plagued the campus facilities. 

When a dorm elevator is vandalized, the cost is split among residents or removed from the Property Management budget, according to Haden. 

Danielle Brizel, a resident of the Paramount, said she was unaware of this policy. 

“That’s absolutely unfair,” said the freshman marketing communication major. “I don’t want to pay for things I’m not doing.” 

Haden said the damage to the new placards shows that some students do not take the situation seriously. If vandals were caught, he explained, they would face the Student Code of Conduct Charges.

Scott Bornstein, interim director of public safety, said there were three reported cases of vandalism this year, all in the first semester. Many cases, he said, are only reported to Property Management or Facilities Management for clean up.

While there has been no reported vandalism yet this semester, Haden said it may be too early to say if the signs have been effective.

“We need other residents to partner with us and report incidents of vandalism they witness.”