University of Virginia Library

Alderman Phones Missing
After University Gets Bill

By Rob Buford
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

A problem involving telephones in the
suites of the Alderman Road Dormitories
may be reaching crisis proportions it was
learned yesterday.

"I have heard from people living here
that the situation is pretty bad," said
Chairman of Counselors Paul Hurdle, referring
to the fact that the University has removed all
telephones from the suites.

Mr. Hurdle said that the decision was made
to remove the phones because of problems last
year involving collect calls coming into the
suites being charged to the University.

No Records

Because of the technical setup of the
University phone system no records of who had
received the large number of calls were
available. Mr. Hurdle said that the noncollectable
bills amounted to "thousands of dollars."

Under a new arrangement announced to
students over the summer, those living in the
suites may decide among themselves whether
they want to have a telephone. If the members
of a suite elect to take the responsibility of
having a phone, they must contract directly
with the phone company.

Suite Phones

A spokesman for Virginia Telephone and
Telegraph Co. said that no figures are available
at this time on how many suites will be making
such arrangements.

Ralph Main, Acting Director of Housing,
told The Cavalier Daily that the new plan was
recommended by his office after an experimental
program last year involving several
suites. Final adoption of the plan followed a
meeting of students, representatives of the
Housing Office and the telephone company.

"The telephone company directly contacted
students before they arrived at school"
informing them of the optional plan," said Mr.
Main. He emphasized the fact that the new
system involves a "direct arrangement between
the phone company and students."

Mr. Hurdle reported that delays "of up to
two or three weeks are being experienced in
installation of the phones." The agreement with
the phone company reportedly requires that
students pay an installation fee, the amount
of one month's charges in advance and a
$100.00 deposit to cover unpaid bills.

Pay Phones

Another problem which complicates the
situation is a lack of pay phones in the
Alderman complex. Phones which were in
operation last year have either been removed or
disconnected over the summer, Mr. Hurdle said.
He stated that Mr. Main is trying at this time to
have the phones reinstalled.