Stealing Tufts

Getting your stuff stolen sucks _ there's no other way to describe it _ as the members of Sigma Nu were reminded last weekend when two individuals suspected to not be students broke into a first floor window, making away with an X-Box and a Palm Pilot. According to the fraternity, its members do not have theft insurance through the University or their national chapter.

This does not mean that any student (in dorms, off-campus, or in a fraternity or sorority house) is without recourse for theft of their personal property. In many cases, a parent's homeowner's policy will cover a certain percentage of property that is located with a child attending college away from home. Unfortunately, if the insurance deductible (usually at least $250) is more than the value of the stolen items, the theft is a loss.

Regardless of the details of a parent's, landlord's, or fraternity's insurance policy, students should be able to purchase their own insurance policies to specifically cover personal items kept at school. With the limited coverage of this type of policy, the deductible should be much lower, making it actually worthwhile to file a claim for a $200 video game system.

While thefts are far from uncommon both on and off campus, Tufts does relatively little to educate students about their choices for protecting their belongings. According to Res Life guidelines, a brochure is mailed only to first-year students with information about obtaining personal property insurance in case their parents' coverage is inadequate. With the overabundance of University mail sent to pre-frosh before their first fall semester, it is unlikely that such important information is given the attention it deserves.

Tufts should urge all undergraduate students to examine the level of insurance coverage, if any, for their property after school starts each year in an unambiguous University-wide email or personal letter. Many at Tufts are living on their own for the first time. The University traditionally wastes no effort in harassing students about such inane issues as Tufts' political activity policy and remembering which day to put the trash out at off-campus houses. It shouldn't be difficult to remind students about the importance of insuring themselves against loss.

Off-campus students in particular need to be aware of even broader insurance issues. While dormitories and fraternities usually have sufficient liability coverage, landlords for off-campus houses may or may not be insured against fire and other types of damage or liability. The problems associated with this can be severe _ for example, if a party guest at your house breaks her leg falling down your steps, you can be held liable for her injuries. Renter's insurance is available to cover any gaps in a landlord's own policy, but this requires active effort by tenants.

Tufts has the awkward responsibility of balancing students' common sense with their naivety during the transition between their teen years and adulthood. Tufts advises students how to protect themselves about campus problems such as rape and mental health issues. Theft is a more prevalent problem and also must be addressed