Every student has a place on campus where they feel at home. Since a fire broke out in Alumni Hall last October, the theatre students and professors are still unable to gain access to their “home” despite the beginning of a new semester.
A fire occurred in the building Oct. 7 and did “significant” damage to the third floor. While renovations and clean-up efforts have been ongoing, art department students have been allowed to return into the building.
However, theatre department students are still being affected and are now meeting in different locations across campus.
Max Mohr, a freshman who is a work study for the theatre department and participates in play productions, said he understands that fires can cause a lot of damage.
“I understand that but it’s been months since any theatre student has been able to visit the third floor of Alumni Hall or just the theater itself,” said Mohr. “What is taking so long? The arts are at the bottom of the totem pole but when student’s educations are at risk, something needs to be done.”
The theatre courses this semester are being held in various locations including the underground, library and Copley and Dearing halls.
Some students have complained that the relocation facilities have been inadequate.
“It’s absolutely unfair to the theatre students, having to relocate classrooms and work spaces for so long,” Mohr said. “The art floor has been open for quite some time and that’s understandable seeing the fire was exclusively on the third floor. If it were any other building on campus, you can guarantee it would have been finished by now.”
According to Interim Dean of College of Arts and Sciences Emily Donnelli-Sallee, Ph.D., “What I have been told University administration that renovation of Alumni Hall is currently under study.”
Donnelli-Sallee stated that she has not been given any timeline, just information that a formal study has been commenced, which will involve faculty and student input.
“I think it’s vital that the University hear the students’ perspectives, need, and wishes as part of  the dialogue about what to do next,” Donnelli-Sallee said.