Zahm Pledge to Withhold Donations to the University of Notre Dame

One of the main aspects of University is able to differentiate itself from others, as stated on the official website, “Residence hall life, shared by four of five undergraduates, is both the hallmark of the Notre Dame experience and the wellspring of the University's rich tradition.” We pride ourselves on creating sisterhood and brotherhood within our dorms while other schools need fraternities and sororities to do the same thing. At the end of the day, dorm life makes the University special from any other colleges in America because we are randomly placed, yet upon setting foot on campus for the first time as students we are part of that hall’s family. Though we relish in the greatness that is dorm life, over the last couple of years we have felt as if the administration and other University sponsored offices have been trying to change the way in which dorm life is like and create “cookie-cutter” halls our of all the dorms. In addition to this, as a Man of Zahm I also feel as though we are looked down upon even though we are randomly placed in this dorm and do not chose to live here. Upon arriving on campus we are given extra attention from university employees based on where we live even though the only part of our life the school actually knows about us was that 5 page application we submitted to be accept into this institution. Furthermore, we have been lectured on not discriminating against anyone and being accepting of everyone. The paradox in this lies with both the administration and the faculty of this university. As stated above, we are watched more closely than any other dorm on campus. When it comes to some of the faculty, we are the butt of their jokes from the first class of the year. If the university truly believes in its own mission of being nondiscriminatory against any race, gender, socio-economic background, sexual preference, etc., then why does it place Zahm in a different category than any other dorm. Zahm is still treated as

One of the main aspects of University is able to differentiate itself from others, as stated on the official website, “Residence hall life, shared by four of five undergraduates, is both the hallmark of the Notre Dame experience and the wellspring of the University's rich tradition.” We pride ourselves on creating sisterhood and brotherhood within our dorms while other schools need fraternities and sororities to do the same thing. At the end of the day, dorm life makes the University special from any other colleges in America because we are randomly placed, yet upon setting foot on campus for the first time as students we are part of that hall’s family. Though we relish in the greatness that is dorm life, over the last couple of years we have felt as if the administration and other University sponsored offices have been trying to change the way in which dorm life is like and create “cookie-cutter” halls our of all the dorms. In addition to this, as a Man of Zahm I also feel as though we are looked down upon even though we are randomly placed in this dorm and do not chose to live here. Upon arriving on campus we are given extra attention from university employees based on where we live even though the only part of our life the school actually knows about us was that 5 page application we submitted to be accept into this institution. Furthermore, we have been lectured on not discriminating against anyone and being accepting of everyone. The paradox in this lies with both the administration and the faculty of this university. As stated above, we are watched more closely than any other dorm on campus. When it comes to some of the faculty, we are the butt of their jokes from the first class of the year. If the university truly believes in its own mission of being nondiscriminatory against any race, gender, socio-economic background, sexual preference, etc., then why does it place Zahm in a different category than any other dorm. Zahm is still treated as though

Soon-to-be Double Domer: BSEE '09, JD '15. Many donation-giving years are ahead. I refuse to contribute to ND until this integral part of Zahm is safe.

help the houses

Why donate in the future to a school that didn't listen to the wishes of it's students?

I feel very concerned that myself and the other residents of Zahm House are being viewed by the administration as voiceless pawns in its grandiose public relations schemes. The administration is failing to acknowledge the value of the ideas of the students who make up the university.

Despite my short time in Zahm, I can still understand that this move by housing is not about community. Community is everything I have experienced in my first year in this HOUSE. To remove a key component of this is an afront to everything that Notre Dame supposedly stands for. There are necessary changes, but this is not the way to go about doing them. To remove these rooms is removing the community, and removing half the enjoyment in the experience.

During my time here, I have become part of the close-knit, loving brotherhood that is embodied by the men of Zahm. I hope that the future residents of Zahm have the opportunity to experience the same support and love that I did, but without the current common rooms that are inviting to everyone while also allowing the residents to make it their own, future residents will not be able to experience the brotherhood in the same way. If the University truly wishes to preserve its community, the traditions that make Zahm a truly special place should remain.

Zahm has become not only my dorm, but my home. These common rooms are an essential part of the Zahm community. Without them this dorm is one step closer to losing its unique inclusive culture. Whether or not you are in Zahm, please sign this petition and send it to others. This is not just a petition to save the Zahm common rooms, but a petition to hold the University accountable for their commitment to residential life.

taus

The proposed changes will cause irreparable damage to Zahm's community and brotherhood. Notre Dame does not deserve donations of any kind if it will not respect its students and their residential needs or preferences.

I believe that Zahm's common rooms unite as all in many ways. It helped me make my best friends and roommates, and the traditions that the rooms carry serve as a reminder as to how close knit we are.

The University did not take our interests into consideration when they made this decision. As of right now, there is still not any indication that they have, or even will, listen to the people who live in the House. I refuse to donate a single penny to a University that maintains an Office of Housing so incredibly out of touch with the students.

Hall is where we walk, House is where live

Zahm is my home, and these changes harm that home.

The common rooms and our community are a huge part of what allow me to say that I love Zahm and truly mean it.

Zahm house has the best community on campus, don't let it get ruined!

The Zahm common rooms were and are an integral part of the community, especially freshman initiation and acceptance into the house. What makes the common rooms unique and appealing to us is the fact that it is owned and run by a fellow group of dorm mates that try their hardest to make it welcoming and a place for friends to gather and socialize. Making these common rooms university property and run completely destroys this aspect and will be very harmful to our community as a whole.

I have no interest in supporting a University that cares more about its agenda than the individuals that inhabit it. I can't stand for an administration that pushes its own picture of what makes its students happy rather than consulting its students on what actually makes them happy.

I chose Notre Dame for the community, not just the academics. There is no reason for me to support an institution that no longer has this community.