OUR VIEWS Consensus Opinion

The Department of Housing has been forced to be the first department to deal with the over-crowding issues that the large incoming freshman class inevitably carries. Following the July 1st refund deadline, Housing determined they were around 300 spaces short of what they needed to shelter the new students who are guaranteed rooms.

Although Housing was not responsible for the larger class size, which was caused by more students accepting spots than expected, they are one of the first departments on campus that will show visible scars from the unanticipated increase. Housing took the first step toward solving the problem Tuesday by sending a mass email to all non-freshmen scheduled to live on campus, announcing that 170 respondents would be able to break contract without consequence. This initiative was a good incentive to clear spaces for freshmen by waiving penalties for upperclassmen that have changed their mind about living on campus. However, the effort is undermined by a 48 hour deadline to respond to the opportunity that was not necessary given the cap. Instead of opening the opportunity again, Housing should have given more time to begin with and relied on a first come, first serve policy for the cancellations. This would have allowed students to explore their options and housing to potentially gain more rooms.

Housing has also announced a possible plan to utilize flex housing similar to that of two years ago. These lounges and offices turned into dorm rooms burden facilities as students are unable to enjoy these common areas and students are crammed into awkward living conditions. If flex rooms are utilized, Housing must remain committed to moving these students to real rooms by spring and preparing better alternatives should larger classes continue to enroll.

Of all the potential alternatives, Housing should under no circumstances ask or encourage freshmen from the Atlanta area to live at home. Housing should only turn to upperclassmen that are already acclimated to college life to explore off-campus options rather than suggest an alternative to freshmen that do not know better. Living on campus helps establish connections, utilize academic resources and become involved in campus life. If in the end the space cannot be found, Housing must honor their guarantee by placing these students as close to campus as possible.

The unanticipated growth in the freshman class will have effects on all areas of campus, not just Housing. Administrators must start anticipating these growing pains and work now to minimize their overall effect on campus life.