Forum and lawyer system respond to off-campus concerns

Over the weekend, Norwood Police approached a group of five students who were all 21 years of age or older as they were sitting on their off-campus home's porch, relaxing and drinking beer.

The students chose to remain anonymous but said the police officers warned they would administer a noise complaint against their house, though one had yet to be filed by neighbors.

Because of this new foot patrol and the rising concern among upperclassmen for next year's housing, Student Rights Representative (SRR) senior Taryn Buckley and Administrative Vice President (AVP) senior Lydia Gerlach, are inviting all students living or intending to live off-campus to attend a forum at 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 in the Gallagher Student Center Clocktower Lounge.

Not only will police officers be in attendance and open to questions, but Erik Zimmerman, a local landlord, and Chris Kneflin, Xavier's lawyer, will be there as well to begin a discussion on the newly established lawyer referral system and what is happening in the neighboring towns of Xavier.

SRR Buckley and AVP Gerlach have established a new lawyer referral system to benefit students who either currently live or are hoping to live off-campus.

"One of the main reasons for the service is to help students make sure they are signing a good lease, so they know what they are getting into," Buckley said. "Another reason for the service is to help out the students living off-campus."

Xavier's lawyer, Chris Kneflin, will be available to speak with students at designated lawyer referral systems from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 6, 10 and 20.

"However, the lawyer cannot defend a student against the University," Buckley said. "He's here to help students but not defend them in the court of law against the university."

In response to off-campus students being concerned with the new foot patrol by Norwood Police, Buckley recommends they attend the forum and voice those concerns.

"I understand that the Norwood Police are wanting to make this a safer place for students," Buckley said, "but if students have concerns, this forum will be a great opportunity to speak up."