Many UB students are not as high this school year, thanks in part to a new dormitory regulation that bans the lofting of beds.
Despite numerous instances in the past where UB students sustained injuries after falling out of their heightened beds, a different reason is the cause for the latest change in bed lofting policy. According to several UB officials, fire code-related height restrictions have created a space crunch in dorm rooms.
"New York State fire codes have changed over the past two years," said Joseph Krakowiak, Director of University Residence Halls and Apartments. "You can't have anything within twenty-four inches of a ceiling."
Dennis Black, vice president for student affairts, called attention to the installation of new fire safety systems within residential halls, citing them as an additional reason for the policy change.
"As we move into an environment with new sprinklers, we are restricted from storing items within a certain distance of the ceiling, and therefore we've decided to abandon bed lofting," Black said.
New York State fire code forbids materials from being stored in close proximity of a fire sprinkler head.
"Based upon a quick review of the (fire) code, the distance is eighteen inches," said Eamon Moynihan, a spokesperson with the Department of State's New York City office.
In February of 2000, Governor George Pataki announced the formation of a task force dedicated to addressing the issue of campus fire safety. This notice came on the heels of a deadly fire at New Jersey's Seton Hall University in which three students were killed.
After five months, Pataki's task force issued a report, which identified inadequate fire protection systems in many older residential halls at colleges and universities across New York. As a result, it was advised that all existing campus housing be brought up to current code standards, including the installation of fire sprinkler systems in previously "non-sprinkler" residence halls during significant remodeling projects.
To economize floor space, Residence Life has come up with several solutions to assist students in dorms. Prior to furniture upgrades beds were not adjustable, but that option has changed.
"We have, over the last several years, updated our furniture," said Kevin Ahuna, Senior associate director for Residence Life. "Now we have the ability to create storage under our beds, and it seems to be going over pretty well with our students."
Students have expressed mixed reviews over the new furniture arrangements.
"I don't mind that the beds aren't lofted. In fact, I prefer them the way they are," said Tracie Husted, a freshman pharmacy major and resident of Wilkeson. "I wouldn't want my desk under my bed, I think it would be too dark."
Christopher Jackson, a junior political science major, sees things differently.
"Not being able to loft your bed can be an imposition, especially if you have a roommate," he said. "No matter what, students are still going to raise their beds by themselves."
For safety reasons, Krakowiak asks that students not attempt to adjust their own beds.
"Students can place a work order online and someone will come out to adjust their bed," he said.
In addition, Krakowiak advised against the use of cinder blocks to elevate beds.
"Cinder blocks aren't a good idea because they'll scratch the floor. Instead, there are five- or six-inch plastic boxes that students can use."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
