Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts recently reinstalled 24-hour use of The Warehouse’s facilities.

The Warehouse, located in downtown Syracuse, contains classroom and studio space for specific classes within VPA, such as communication, industrial and interior designs.

The building will still be secured and only accessible with a valid SUID, but the facilities will be open to students who have access to them 24/7, said Suzanne Bartlett, an office coordinator for the School of Design.

Shannon Gately, a sophomore fashion design major, said she was unaware that the hours had been changed, but was pleased to hear the news.

“It’s so awesome,” she said. “I know there are so many students who use it, so I know this will definitely benefit them.”

Last January, university officials decreased The Warehouse’s hours of operation from 24/7 to 6 a.m. to midnight. The decision to change hours was made after reports of students’ inappropriate and illegal behavior during late-night hours.

Such incidents included spray-painting in unauthorized areas, urinating in garbage cans, abusing furniture, stealing materials, consuming alcohol and other substances within the building, and ignoring warnings from faculty and staff.

Many students felt this change was unreasonable since design students use these classroom spaces for projects, which can take several hours.

“I was really concerned I wouldn’t have enough time,” said Olivia Donahue, a sophomore communication design major. “Last year, the change didn’t really affect me, but this year, the longer hours will definitely help.”

To protest the shortened hours, a group of design students created a petition which gained more than 330 signatures within its first few days.

The university did not respond to these complaints until early March, when it changed The Warehouse’s hours to 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. of the next day.

As a result of the restriction of hours, students in VPA established a peer council. The council acts as a voice for the students when issues arise, and can serve as a liaison to the administration.

“I think it’s a good thing to extend to 24 hours, because the fact that the hours were changed in the first place is a wake-up call enough,” said Cassie Pettinati, a sophomore interior design major.

Pettinati said the extended hours would allow students to reach their full potential, as they would have more time to dedicate to their schoolwork and bettering themselves.

“People will get their act together,” she said. “Time to do work is a lot more important.”

Published on September 6, 2012 at 1:41 am

Contact Jen: jbundy@syr.edu