Walking Taco April 2009

Spring into Neighborliness~A Reminder from the Dean of Students
Spring is finally here! After a long, cold winter we all want to be outside, enjoying the (mostly!) warm, Iowa spring. And when we (and our neighbors) are inside, we want to throw our windows open to let the spring come in.

Spring gives us lots of opportunities to interact with our neighbors – on and off campus. Following are some tips to make sure that those interactions are positive ones.

• Be aware of your noise. It’s likely that not everyone shares your exact taste in music or listening preferences … especially late at night!
• Be considerate of off-campus neighbors and families. Whether you live off-campus or are walking through Mt. Vernon neighborhoods, remember that there are families and children living in our community. Be mindful of what kinds of behavior and language you’d want your own family to see and hear.
• If you live off-campus and are having a party:
• Keep it inside. It’s so tempting to move the party onto the front lawn but your neighbors will appreciate you keeping it contained, especially after 10:00.
• Keep the volume down and the windows closed.
• Control how much your guests have to drink, and be sure they’re all of age. Remind guests to be considerate of your neighbors as they leave.
• Be green. Be sure to pick up your own trash, and even litter you encounter as you’re walking outside.
• If you’re a smoker please remember to bring a container for your “butts” when you go outside to smoke. This is particularly important if you’re smoking in an area that is in front of neighbors’ houses.
• Say “hello.” Let’s spread some of the sunshine by greeting each other!