Tom Dent Cabin: Trashed!

Monday, November 12, 2001

On the evening of October 25th, the members of the Dartmouth Outing Club became one of the groups to use the Tom Dent Cabin since it was turned over to the Student Assembly (SA) earlier this term. Their party, however, is now under investigation by Safety and Security (S&S).

At 8:47 AM on Thursday the 26th, the S&S log reads under the heading 'Vandalism,' 'Safety and Security Officers observed a mess outside of the Tom Dent Cabin. They entered the building and found the place in shambles, and some vandalism had occurred.'

According to the DOC president Adam Sepulveda '02, the party 'was not a DOC event nor was it sponsored by the DOC. It was a formal for the members of [Hanover] Crew, Lodge Crew, Grant Crew, and Climbing Crew,' all students who operate DOC trips for freshmen. Sepulveda said he had not been contacted by S&S.

SA President Molly Stutzman '02 was aware of the situation and the ongoing investigation, although she could offer no details. 'Something did happen that night,' but '[SA is] not doing the investigation.' Miss Stutzman, as head contact for Tom Dent, received a call that Facilities Operations and Management (FO&M), which is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the student-run cabin, had encountered a large mess and apparently called in S&S. 'I was notified that there was a lot of clean-up going on.' Even so, Miss Stutzman was quick to point out that 'there wasn't any lasting damage. It was all cleaned up by the [SA's] kickoff' on November 2nd. Stutzman expects more information to become public as the Safety and Security investigation wraps up within the next few days.

The Review contacted a student who had been in attendance at the party in question. The student, who wished to remain anonymous pending the investigation, portrayed a different story. The party was registered with S&S, in accordance with the Tom Dent regulations for alcoholic parties. However, no alcohol was served; it was strictly bring-your-own.

'We got down there, it wasn't set up. We set things up and had the party.' As for the 'shambles' and 'vandalism,' the student disagreed vehemently. 'It wasn't any more trashed than a fraternity basement or off-campus party.' Partygoers returned at approximately nine AM the next morning to clean up, only to find that FO&M had already taken care of this.

The student knew some details of the investigation. FO&M discovered approximately 140 open containers, most of which were beer bottle and cans. The student believed FO&M was concerned by this number, despite the fact that there were around 70 people in attendance, an average of two drinks per person. 'I don't think that's excessive.' Despite being registered as an alcoholic event, S&S never came by.

Apparently a speaker at the cabin had been damaged during the evening, although the student claimed this was a result of its being set up incorrectly. A curtain was also torn down.

The investigation may have started with the finding of a camera left at the cabin. According to the student, Safety and Security developed the film as evidence, which he found 'a little bit odd.' The pictures showed no alcoholic beverages or anything incriminating.

Yet an investigation continues. The student outlined three possible results, even though the charges are hazy at best. First, the deans could choose to deal with the situation on their own. Second, the students to whom the party was registered could be sent before the Committee on Standards, possibly for vandalism. Finally, the Dartmouth Outing Club, if it is considered responsible, could be sent before the Organizational Adjudication Committee. 'I don't think anyone's really worried about [being punished].' Still, he reiterated, 'There was no malicious damage done.' The student also noted that, despite all this, 'It was a good party.'

Before this September, the Tom Dent Cabin had been run by the Athletic Department since being built in 1965. Athletic teams, as well as student and alumni groups were allowed to rent the cabin. Numerous formals and events had been held there, many of which were alcoholic. The student claimed that 'before it was turned over, there were lots of formals. Everyone would clean up the next morning.' He also said that parties he had attended previously were 'way rowdier than what went on' the night of the 25th.

The student was annoyed with the fate of the Tom Dent Cabin. 'It's almost worse now. You never had to register parties as alcoholic before. Now it's like Poison Ivy or Collis Commonground.'

SA Vice President Michael Newton was quoted in the Daily Dartmouth earlier this term as saying, '[The Tom Dent Cabin] marks a turning point in the administration's point of view on student controlled spaces.'

With FO&M cleaning and maintaining the premises and S&S patrolling, students are wondering how big of a 'turning point' this is, even if SA handles the bookings.

Tom Dent Cabin: Trashed!

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