EDITORIAL: Unclear Policy

The University should clarifyThe University should clarifyits policy regarding noiseThe University should clarifyits policy regarding noiselevel at campus events.The University should clarifyits policy regarding noiselevel at campus events._____________________________ All groups that have held events in Superblock, whether Steinhardt members or Penn Relays participants, were not deliberately trying to prevent students from studying for exams. They were simply celebrating -- a Jewish holiday or the biggest track and field event in the country. Unfortunately, the unintended consequence frustrates students who may have pressing academic responsibilities. Much of the confusion and frustration surrounding these types of events occurs because students are not informed about the University's policy concerning the noise level of events on campus. The Open Expression Policy defines noise "within reason" as a level below 85 decibels that does not "interfere unreasonably with the activities of other persons." A decibel level of 80 is equivalent to heavy traffic. To rectify this ongoing problem, the University should publicize its regulations regarding noise levels and the exact hours when groups can hold such events so that students have a basis to judge whether an organization is in violation of these rules. If these rules were well known, groups would also be more likely to abide by them. If students still find groups that abide by the rules distracting, they could actively lobby the administration to amend the rules so that both dormitory residents and organization members would be satisfied.