The structural integrity of Sutter Hall has been the subject of concern among residents recently due to cracks where interior walls meet the ceiling.

The cracks have been visible since the fall semester, but they’re getting worse, according to Erin Stutz, a freshman majoring in liberal studies.

“When you push [the wall] in it shakes the whole room,” Stutz said. “Every time a door closes it shakes and vibrates.”

Stutz said that the whole wall bows in “a little more than an inch” when pushed on. She is worried that the building may not be structurally sound.

Another rumor circulating is that the building was meant to be a temporary structure but is still being used 30 years later.

Cynthia Cockrill, director of Housing and Residential Life does not believe that Sutter Hall, which opened in 1974, was ever meant as a temporary structure. There were similar rumors when she came to the campus in 1986, but she expressed serious doubts about their authenticity and has never seen any evidence to suggest that.

Ron Hopkins, the housing and facilities manager for Housing and Residential Life, explained that even if the building were meant to be temporary, it would still have to meet all the current building codes.

Hopkins said that he received a work order some time ago and sent crews out to investigate the cracks in the walls. The crews reported that the cracks were small and not on load-bearing walls.

The interior walls in Sutter Hall are built with a wood frame covered by sheetrock, according to Hopkins. It is the sheetrock that is bowing and not any structural members.

Hopkins also explained that buildings naturally settle and swell from time to time and this could very well be the reason for the cracks.

The crews suggested that the cracks were a result of the walls being pushed on or having furniture set against them.

Hopkins received another work order last week, and maintenance crews entered the dorms on Thursday to inspect the cracks again.

“If there is a safety hazard, we need to respond to that as soon as possible,” Hopkins said.Hopkins and maintenance crews are checking up on the matter this week. If they feel there is a problem, they will call in professionals and work to fix it.