Wiseman Hall Suffers Maintenance Issues

Belmont Vision Multimedia, Zach Watkins

Students in Wiseman Hall say they are facing a long list of maintenance issues in the brand-new residence hall. 

Among the issues, students have complained that elevators are not working, sinks and showers leak and the stairs are locked for emergency use only. 

“All of these are items to be expected in the first weeks of occupancy in a new building of this size, said April Hefner, Belmont’s vice president for marketing and communications.  

She said maintenance teams and Campus Security have been “actively collaborating with our contractors to address these concerns.” 

In addition to utility issues, students reported: 

• Doors not latching properly 

• ID cards not working 

• Outlets/lights not working 

• Emergency alarms going off  

Mia Waring, a freshman in the suite section of Wiseman, after waiting in a long line for the elevator, said her card did let her access her floor. 

“When I scanned it, and pressed my floor, it wouldn't work,” said Waring. 

The stairwell wasn’t an alternative option either, because they are designated for emergency

use only and alarms will sound. 

And they have. 

“The alarms have gone off like 37 times and then we have to call Campus Security,” said freshman Gabie Gomes. 

Anyone was able to get into the hallways, ID or not. 

“Campus Security is out there every night and checks the doors... they weren’t latching,” said Gomes. 

Campus Security isn’t the only one being called to help. 

Belmont’s Facility Management Services were called and shut the water off last week to fix problems with plumbing. 

“They're fixing all the shower heads... they sent us these emails where there’s a designated time you can’t shower,” said Gomes. 

Although some of the problems have been resolved, Gomes still has issues. 

“My roommate and I do want to put in a maintenance request, because our floors are just randomly wet,” she said. 

Hefner said the university is committed to maintaining high standards for residents and encouraged students to file work order forms if issues persist. 

Despite the new-building hiccups, Gomes said she enjoys living in the university’s newest dorm. 

“I feel like there’s been a guy with a ladder in there, like every single day, but overall, I love it,” she said. 

“It's a new building. I think it'll be the best building next semester or next year, they just had to work the kinks out.” 

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This article was written by Emily Garver and Olivia Abernathy