Scully Hall was vandalized over spring break, the third time in the past four weeks that the dorm has been the target of criminal mischief.
The incidents have sparked an investigation by Public Safety, as well as a call from West College for individuals with information to step forward.
The first case of vandalism in Scully was reported on Feb. 27 and involved obscenities written in red marker on walls and common rooms, Deputy Director of Public Safety Charles Davall said. The graffiti, which "took place between 12:30 in the afternoon and 7:30 at night," was located on the third floor and was apparently addressed to a dormitory assistant in the building, Davall said.
Davall added that Public Safety found additional markings "of a similar nature" in Scully later that night.
After a month-long lull, vandalism returned to Scully's first-floor common room on March 23. Davall said that Public Safety has "no details yet" about this most recent incident, but "that the additional markings are in a similar vein to the other acts of criminal mischief."
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies Maria Flores-Mills wrote in an email to Scully residents "that there has been and continues to be a vandalism problem" in the dorm.
"Messages in marker have appeared on walls, doors, white boards and other areas. Some appear to be random and others appear to target particular students, constituting harassment," Flores-Mills said, adding that "this conduct violates policies and would be cause for disciplinary action."
Davall speculated that the source of the vandalism is "most likely a student, because getting into the building requires a prox, so mostly only students have access."
Public Safety has interviewed several people in the building, though no suspects have been identified, Davall said.
In addition to conducting the investigation and interviews, Public Safety is increasing its presence and patrols at and around Scully Hall.
"We're trying to have a more visible presence," Davall said.
Both Flores-Mills and Davall urged students to come forward with tips about the vandalism.
"I am also hoping other residents of the building will be upset about the vandalism and provide information to the investigators," Flores-Mills said.
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