Vol. 18, No. 1	Sept. 3, 1998

On-campus housing numbers reach highest level since '80s

Although the number of new students offered admission was nearly the same as last year, there was a substantial increase in the number of freshmen who accepted the University's offer. According to the Office of Admissions, 3,606 new students confirmed attendance as of Aug. 15, an increase of 373 over the same time last year.

University residence halls have consistently been popular. They offer the convenience of location and one of the best technology packages in the country, with state-of-the-art direct connect data lines, a telephone system with lots of features and a campus based cable TV system offering 60 channels (see related story). The residence life staff provides students with strong support and challenges through a wide variety of educational programs. Students report that they enjoy the opportunity to meet other students provided by residence hall living.

The desire to live on campus this year also is supported by the significant drop in cancellations. David Butler, housing, indicated that "A typical summer brings 100 to 150 more cancellations than we have seen so far this year."

To meet demand, the Housing Office is furnishing a variety of locations for extended housing to provide assignments to the remaining students guaranteed housing.

Extended housing includes tripling larger double rooms, equipping floor and recreation lounges as student rooms, and the use of the University Guest Apartments (UGA) in the Christiana Towers.

As the housing office continues to receive cancellations daily, it is anticipated that other vacancies will become available to relocate students.

After the semester gets rolling, students in extended housing will be reassigned to "no-show" and other vacancies resulting from students who leave the University for a variety of reasons, Butler explained. The UGA will be emptied first, followed by recreation rooms, floor lounges and then triples. It is likely that many students will spend the entire fall semester in extended housing, but nearly all should be reassigned by the beginning of spring semester, Butler said.

Linda Carey, Housing Assignment Services, indicated that each year a few students who are tripled elect to stay together through the entire year.

Students assigned to extended housing receive a weekly rebate on their room rent as well as special attention from the residence life staff.

Cynthia Cummings, residence life, said, "Some students have a difficult time with extended housing, but more come in with the attitude of making the best of the situation, and they find it much more comfortable than they expected."

"Although we would like to balance housing supply-and-demand each year," Butler said, "we think it is important to meet our commitment to house students even if it results in extended housing. Considerable research shows that being on campus as a freshman really enhances the educational experience."

Duane Perry