Bedroom intruders: Hide your snake, hide your mice

Despite Norwich's policy on pets in residence halls, some students host their companions below the radar.

Norwich University Student Rules and Regulations states that pets and other non-service animals "which are not registered with the Dean of Students, are not allowed in Norwich resident halls, barracks or on campus."

One student who requested anonymity said, "Pets that are confined in a glass container or tank" should be allowed on campus.   

This student has a pet lizard and said, "If the person is responsible, (and) they take care of it, it shouldn't be an issue."

Since this student has nowhere else to put his pet, he feeds her, cleans her enclosure and ensures that she is always securely kept in her cage throughout the day.

Maj. Kristine Seipel, housing officer and adjutant, said about pets, "We don't tolerate it, we don't condone it."

Seipel, a Norwich graduate, class of 2005, said she has seen pets on campus from "the student perspective and also as a staff member and administrative person."

The main reason pets are prohibited on campus is because "the students who have had them don't take care of them, (and) they let them run wild," she said. "It is a health concern when they don't clean up after them."

The university has clearly stated its rules with animals; therefore, students who violate them can receive disciplinary action under the charge of failure to comply with rules and regulations, the housing policy and standards.

For repeat cases the university "holds the right to revoke the student's housing privilege all together," Seipel said.

According to John, a student who requested anonymity, "A pet just gives you a familiar face to see."

John and his roommate have kept their pet fish for a little more than a year, saying it should be allowed because it never gets loose and they maintain its bowl.

"We clean it at least two times a week, unless it gets dirty faster," he said.

They said that if students keep their pet under control and maintain cleanliness standards, they should be allowed to have it.

"For us it, (a fish) was easiest to maintain, and we knew it wouldn't get out of control," he said.

Phil, a student who requested anonymity, hosted his dog on campus for about two weeks. He said that having the dog around was a stress relief, and that taking care of his canine companion was easy to do. He took it on multiple walks, kept him clean and even "set up a little station in the corner for food and water."

Phil argues that there are plenty of ways that students can have dogs on campus, "in a way that is good for the campus, university and community, such as therapy sessions," he said.

Terri, a student who requested anonymity, lives with a pet snake. He feeds it once every two weeks and says that it is relativity cheap to own, only spending $6 a month to feed him.

"I will clean his cage every two months," said Terri "The material in its cage is designed for just that, cleanliness."

Terri said that he is not worried about his snake getting out of its cage because, "It has a lot of weight on top and it's too small to even climb up to the top of cage."

Terri said that the school does not know that he has the snake in his room but feels that because his snake is nonpoisonous and not dangerous due to its size, it does not pose a danger to other students.

Mina, a student who requested anonymity, also has a pet snake she keeps on campus. She says those who know her pet "actually enjoy him," and said that he does not smell either.

One reason she said she has decided to keep him is because, "It does teach you responsibility."

She said that even though it is great to have because of the comfort you get, "freshmen should not have them."