|
Volume CXXXII, Number 15 |
 |
IHC, Residential Life allow blocking in college houses
EVRON LEGALL
STAFF WRITER
In an effort to make the college houses a more popular housing option, Residential Life is offering the opportunity to apply in blocks of up to eight students. Formerly, students were only able to apply by themselves or in pairs. This change is a direct result of the student input garnered at the open forum on the house system and a WBOR program featuring the President-both of which occurred near the end of last semester.
 |
| Baxter House was built at the turn of the century and has undergone many changes over the years as a residential home, the Sigma Nu fraternity, and a part of the college house system. (Karsten Moran, Bowdoin Orient) |
President of the Inter-House Council, Sarah Wiltshire '03, said that she expects that this change will make the college houses a more attractive option to students choosing housing options for next year. She said that formerly, students who wished to live with a group of their friends were more apt to apply in blocks to live in the regular dorms, since that option was not available to them in houses.
A selection committee composed of two representatives from the particular house to which the applicant is applying, a representative from another house, and a Residential Life staff member will make decisions on placement in each house.
Director of Residential Life, Bob Graves, said "with the college houses now coming into their own, this development was a way of giving them more responsibilities."
Spot interviews with students revealed a general lack of awareness about the change. One student who wished to remain anonymous said, "I don't know much about it. The only thing that worries me is that it will lead to cliques running the houses. Diversity might suffer." Most expressed optimism about the idea, saying that it would be a good idea to allow groups of friends to apply to live in the houses. Brita Sands '05 said that it was "a good idea, because it will allow a group of friends to live together." Julia Lamont '05 remarked, "Putting people together who are not friends, makes it harder to plan activities."
The application process, separate from the regular housing lottery, consists of a written application, which contains a group supplement, a personal interview, a group interview and a character reference. Applications are due on Wednesday, February 19, and decisions will be mailed on April 4 so that applicants who decide to decline or are unsuccessful, will not be at a disadvantage when the general housing lottery begins on April 15.
While information tables were located at the dining halls for this week only, further information is available online at the Residential Life website, and at the Residential Life office where applications can also be obtained.
|
FastCounter by bCentral |