Peking University, Mar. 28, 2011: “A notebook computer and a wireless mouse, have a check,” one staff member reminded a student about the awareness of self-protection. “Precious belongings like these must be kept carefully. Be cautious,” she said in a noticeable corner of a PKU classroom building.
Getting back the lost PC, the student nodded with gratitude. “Yes, I will.”
The scene took place at the Lost Property Office of the Classroom Building No. 2, where students can notice that a marked desk has been put at the entrance since the new semester. It is the Lost Property Office that has been relocated from “the back corner” to “the front.”
The Lost Property Office at the Classroom Building No. 2
The cabinet of the Lost Property Office used to be in an inconspicuous corner of the first floor of PKU Classroom Building No. 2. Now it is outside – and standing out. For this “high-profile” move, a staff member surnamed Wang from the office said, “The change was basically for students’ convenience.”
“It was not only to facilitate looking for lost things, but also to facilitate inquiry,” added Wang. “After all, the classroom building is a public place which is open to all. We can also afford help and inquiry service for non-PKUers who study here.”
Small as is its size, the working process of the Lost Property Office is rigorous. “All the items picked up should be registered here,” Wang brought out the registration books. All the detailed information was recorded in that thick book. Besides, the process of preservation and recapture is as well strict. “Every item that handed in to us will be kept in a proper way. When claiming the lost item, the owners of lost property should register their name, student ID number, and the contact information in case things may be mistakenly taken away,” said Wang.
What’s more worth mentioning is that the function of the Lost Property Office is perfected: instead of the “waiting-for-owner” way in the past, a more active “looking-for-owner” approach is introduced. “Once a student lost his mobile phone; we looked up the contact list in his mobile in order to inform him. We failed to get in touch with him by calling his friends. Eventually, we managed to make it by a long-distance call to his father,” said Wang. “We will try our best to find the owner through tiny clues from items like mobile phones and student cards.”
Costly properties like mobile phones, iPads, and notebook computers made up a large number of the lost properties, according to the office. “Students’ awareness to prevent and protect is comparatively low. I hope they can enhance the awareness of possession protection,” Wang worried and reminded again.
Yang Yifei, an undergraduate student, showed his gratitude toward the Lost Property Office of the Classroom Building No. 2. It was here that he found his lost notebook computer on March 23. “It’s really helpful. Now it’s more convenient for students to find their lost items since the office has moved outside,” said Yang. Liu Jingjing, another student who shared the same feeling with Yang, added, “This conspicuous Lost Property Office gives more hope to the owners of lost property, reducing their blindness. At least they know where to go in order to find their lost possessions.”
Besides, there is an affiliated cabinet of the office in the Classroom Building No. 3. Items lost in Classroom Buildings No. 2, No.3, and No. 4 can all be claimed at the Lost Property Office.
“It is an ‘office’ for lost properties with but simple facilities,” said students Tian Jingjing and Gao Jie. “But from back to the front, the move spreads warmth in the corner.”
Translated by: Lin Zhe
Edited by: Jacques
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
