OPINION: Stonehill is trapped in a suitcase

By Christina Czechel

Stonehill is stuck in the suitcase-school lifestyle. By this I mean: a significant number of students leave campus during the weekend, either returning home or visiting friends at other schools, leaving the campus feeling quite empty. 

As a non-commuter who also lives out of state, I had hoped to find my weekends at Stonehill filled with entertainment and social connection. Unfortunately, in my two years here so far, those weekends rarely find me. Too often, the campus feels desolate. There are minimal engagement opportunities, making it difficult to truly embrace the full college experience. 

Stonehill is on the smaller side of most colleges, yes, but that does not mean it should feel limiting. People generally understand college to have two main purposes: 1) education and 2) social and independent development. 

Social life at college is generally thought of in terms of its parties; many students fulfill their social needs by going out on the weekends since the school week is full of busy classes, work, and maybe even sports. While some people like to socialize at large gatherings, others may prefer smaller events like game nights, concerts, or simply spending time in a lively environment. Regardless, the lack of engagement and the restrictive policies at Stonehill makes it difficult to truly unwind after a long, stressful week. 

Spending time with my friends on the weekends is when I am finally able to relax and enjoy my environment – the strict campus policies severely disrupt this. Instead of fostering a community where students can enjoy themselves responsibly, the school has created an atmosphere where students feel policed rather than supported. Not once did it occur to me that I would have to choose between having a social life and being blamed for breaking my college’s severe rules. 

Stonehill has strict policies regarding alcohol and partying. The campus is dry for students under twenty-one, and alcohol consumption is heavily regulated even for those of legal drinking age. Resident Assistants (RAs) and Campus Police conduct routine checks, and any violations can lead to disciplinary action including fines, parental notification, or even suspension. Parties and large gatherings are closely monitored, and noise complaints often result in swift intervention. 

Though these policies only aim to maintain a safe and controlled campus environment, students feel heavily supervised, making them feel the need to be secretive in order to protect themselves. This creates a culture of distrust between students and campus authorities, making communication difficult. Rather than fostering a sense of responsibility, excessive supervision often pushes students to find ways around the rules. As a result, many feel that their college experience is hindered rather than enhanced by these policies. 

There are many reasons Stonehill’s suitcase lifestyle exists. While some students may want to go home for personal reasons, many may feel driven to due to the campus’ climate. If Stonehill wants to retain students on the weekends, the school must create an environment where people want to stay; this college will not grow if the majority of students do not want to be here in the first place. 

Let us have our fun and trust us to be the responsible young adults we are. 

Give us that chance.