Microwaves are no Longer Allowed in Dorm Rooms at George Fox University

Reported By: Anika Perry

Illustrated By: Sydney Simmons

On June 27, first-year students received move-in information and a revised list of items to bring and not bring to campus. Due to a new decision made by George Fox University (GFU) this summer, microwaves are no longer allowed in dorm rooms, marking them as a “do not bring” item along with candles and air conditioning units.

This decision affects students living in Brandt, Edwards, Gulley, Hobson, Macy, Newlin, Pennington, and Sutton Halls. 

After a panini press set off the fire alarm in Gulley Hall last year, Sharia Hays, the associate dean of student life operations, sat down with Nathan Geer, the director of residence life, and Kim Knoernschild, the environmental health and safety specialist, and had a conversation about fire safety on campus. This conversation led to the decision to not allow microwaves in dorm rooms.

The primary reason for the decision is because dorm rooms are not equipped to handle the amount of power needed to use multiple appliances with one outlet. “Plant [Services] has had lots of calls about breakers blowing due to microwaves in the room,” said Hays. “A residential room is not equipped to have a microwave, a mini fridge, TVs, gaming systems, blow dryers, irons, all those things–that’s a lot of power coming from a very small amount of energy.” Hays also mentioned incidents where students accidentally burned popcorn or ramen or microwaved metal. “Those are all fire issues as well, so it is not just electrical fires. There are two sides to this table,” said Hays.

When some of the buildings were built, the appliances we have today did not exist; Pennington Hall was built in 1962, and Edwards Hall was constructed in 1964. Hays has explored the possibility of rewiring buildings on campus, but the process is expected to be costly. 

Microwaves are still permitted in the community kitchens, and can be found in the lobbies or basements of dorm buildings. 

If students have concerns about using the community kitchen due to dietary restrictions, they are encouraged to reach out to Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS). The community kitchens do offer allergy-safe cupboards that are locked by a code. To gain access, students are encouraged to contact Housing.

If students have concerns with the cleanliness of the community kitchens, Hays encourages resident assistants (RA) and students to have discussions with their communities about their standards of cleanliness and hold each other accountable.

Crescent ASC