Dear Editors:
I am writing in response to the recent “Disappointment in the Towers” letter from an anonymous parent of two TCNJ students.
The College acknowledges some challenges for residents of the Towers. We have worked diligently to address issues as they have arisen and remain committed to ensuring students residing in Travers and Wolfe a quality residential experience.
As the author notes — and our own data bear out — Towers residents consistently cite the strong sense of community and bonding as a source of satisfaction with this housing option. Many of our alumni and current students view living in the Towers as a rite of passage for first-year students that fosters deep connections and lasting memories.
I want to specifically address the situation with the fire alarms. During the fall 2024 semester there were several instances of fire alarms going off in the Towers. The College took every alarm seriously and investigated each occurrence. Some incidents were caused by malfunctioning heat sensors in the restrooms, which were promptly replaced, rectifying the issue. Other instances were caused by inappropriate activity in rooms or students unnecessarily pulling alarms as a prank.
With respect to the vandalism, we are working with Campus Police to try to identify the individuals responsible and hold them accountable for their actions. We also strongly believe in a community-based approach to resolving these challenges. By fostering shared accountability, encouraging respect for communal spaces and reporting misconduct, we can ensure a more positive residential experience for all students.
The college remains committed to improving and enhancing the residential experience and diversifying housing options for our first-year students.
President Bernstein’s Housing Coordinated Action Team (CAT) has compiled a set of recommendations that is being reviewed and analyzed. This list includes renovations and improvements to existing spaces as well as the potential for new housing on and off campus.
We look forward to sharing our plans with the campus community in the coming weeks.
Sean O. Stallings, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
