Saturday, September 17, 2005

Kutztown U and Public Space

Kutztown University tries to portray it self as a educational place, there are rules and regulations to try to persuade students to focus on their studies (such as no drinking on campus, and no visitors after 12:00) The University sponsers academic activities such as "Constitution Week." The thing that most made a statement to me was a sign in my dorm hall the read "Be a Dear Don't Bring in Any Beer" until someone came and crossed out the word "Don't." While the dorms are not totally public space because you cant get in without an escort who lives there (which is incredibly easy to get around) the dorms are still public space in the sense that they are shared by many people who reside there, and are subject to the blatant vandalism found on the signs. The act of scribbling out the word "don't" on the sign shows that KU is not a purely academic atmosphere, and that the vandal is a likely suspect to bring in alcohol.
Another thing I've noticed about Kutztown University documents, such as brochures, is the official symbol is the Old Main clocktower. But as far as I have observed Old Main is not the main building of the campus, its not a major congregating place, nor a major classroom hall. Thats not to say that no one congregates there or has classes there, just that Old Main is not an accurate representation of the KU experience. To show where the students spend the most time they should have a picture of the Dining Hall, or even the library. To show Old Main on brochures may make the place look picturesque, quaint, and beautiful, but does not accuratly advertise the college experience.
I would consider the academic buildings, the library, the Student Union building, and the South Dining Hall, to be public spaces at Kutztown University, any one can enter them, and spend time there and congregate. The dorms are more restricted, to enter them you need an escort. The town is also a public space, there are no fences trying to keep us on campus and out of town. However while walking through town I saw a sign that said "No parking, waiting or standing" They are trying to take away our public freedom to stand in that one spot! It is easy to cross the borders and go into the town. The town seems friendly with signs in all the windows "Welcome KU students!" KU has many freedoms with places you can go on campus, or in town, or simply hanging out in your dorm.

1 comment:

K. Mahoney said...

Nice observation about Old Main! Yes, the image of Old Main is everywhere. Why do you think the clock tower conveys (or is assumed to convey) the sense of the "quaint" or "picturesque?" Are there other associations that the university may be drawing upon?

I also like your observation of the "movement restriction" signs in Kutztown. Do you think they have an intended audience as well? Do the signs point to any possible tensions between the town and the university?