In the wake of an incident just before Thanksgiving break, two RAs have been asked to resign while two others have been placed on probation. Choosing resignation over termination, Shaina Lyon, 19, and Michele Powell, 19, will be vacating their rooms at the end of the semester following an episode involving four R.A.s and alleged underage drinking. The other two involved, Martinetti RA Christabella Cherubino, and Arthur Hall RA, Ashley Connolly, are on probation following that incident.

“We try to look carefully at each individual involved in any situation. The first question is: what was the scenario?” said Coordinator of Residential Living, Jeff Bickford.

As the Johnson State College campus becomes a blanket of white snow, students are finding themselves getting into the holiday spirit. However, the extent of holiday celebrations is limited when it comes to how students can decorate their dorms. “I love Christmas time,” said freshman Colleen McNamera, “but not being able to have Christmas lights really puts a damper on my holiday spirit.”
Director of Residence Life Michele Whitmore, however, says the college is not the Grinch, and that decorations like Christmas lights are banned from campus dorms because of fire hazards.

“There are a lot of factors about why students can’t have lights,” said Whitmore. “The cheaper lights can cause fires and overheat. It’s also a waste of money and energy.”

Trapped. Alone. Scared. A small, prison-like cell of solitude where the door to your room can’t be opened-and you’re inside.

In the story “Papillon,” French convict Henrie “Papillon” Charriere is sentenced to a penal colony in South America for life, but he maintained his sanity in solitary confinement by playing with centipedes. JSC Student Roger Conant during his stint in solitary had no centipedes but was very comfortable just the same.