Students came back this semester to new classes, new books and -- for some Harrison College House residents -- new carpet.
On Dec. 29, a coil freeze in room 810 of Harrison resulted in flood damage to 15 rooms on various floors according to Betsy Robinson, Locust area director for facilities services.
"It was very minor because we were able to do it quickly," Robinson said of the maintenance work needed to correct the flood damage. She added that some of the rooms needed carpets replaced, and there may have been some drywall damage.
Robinson noted that the flood displaced only one student over winter break. This person was moved to a local hotel.
College junior Tim Ambrose, who lives in room 712 in Harrison, said that some of his textbooks were damaged by the water. A section of a wall in his apartment also had to be repainted, and the carpet had to be replaced.
College freshman Ronny Abbo lives one floor above Ambrose in room 810 where the flooding occurred.
Abbo said he received an e-mail from Building Manager Barry Lasley a few days before the new year informing him about the problem. The e-mail also noted that students would be reimbursed for any expenses incurred due to the flood.
However, Abbo was a bit luckier than Ambrose with regard to the damage.
"I got back last night," Abbo said. "I found all my things in the same condition as I had left them."
Abbo said his roommate did have damaged clothing, but he has not heard of any other major inconveniences among his hallmates.
Andrew Chen, the Graduate Associate for the sixth floor in Harrison, said there was some flood damage to his hallway.
"I think they replaced the carpet in the common room," Chen said.
"I think some [students] might be affected [but] I don't know the numbers," he said.
Although Chen said no students had come to him with any concerns about the problem, he acknowledged that most students had just arrived back on campus.
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