Numbers could be affected by new policy

University Housing officials are expecting a high turnout for early bird registration this year, despite the new housing policy, effective fall 2003, which frees sophomores of living restrictions.

Early-bird sign-ups for students wishing to live in the same room next year in University Housing begin today in Dining Room 2 in Lentz Dining Hall and the entrances of Trueblood and Grinnell Dining Hall for Thompson Point, University Park and Brush Towers, respectively.

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Elizabeth Scally, coordinator for marketing and conferencing in University Housing, said the department has already received numerous calls requesting information about specific dates and times for contract renewals – more than this time last year.

“The bottom line is that we are one of the best values,” she said. “We offer faculty interaction, programs and food services that can’t be beat,” Scally said.

University Housing is also offering incentives for students renewing their contracts. Following a ’70s theme, like many housing activities the year, they are giving away “groovy” tie-dyed pens and Frisbees. Students will also be entered in drawings for lava lamps and disco balls if they return their contracts by January.

Early bird sign ups will continue tomorrow as contract renewals open to students who wish to live in the same area but in a different room. Students can sign up Thursday to live anywhere, including those currently living off campus.

Scally said for many students living on campus is easier than living elsewhere.

“University Housing takes care of hassles of living on your own, like having 20 different bills to pay, or being broke to pay for cable or not having cable at all,” Scally said.

University Housing also encourages anyone wishing to move on campus from off-campus housing next year to take advantage of the early registration.

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This version of contract renewal provides seniority to students currently living in University Housing. Incoming freshman will be assigned at random to available rooms.

Scally said she expects a higher proportion of sophomores to stay on campus than to leave. University Housing supports more than 1,000 students over the age of 21, and the number of juniors and seniors living on campus has as much of an impact as sophomores.

University Housing Director Edward Jones projected earlier this semester that gains would equal losses.

Even though University Housing is projecting to lose some sophomores, the campus will gain the about 120 freshmen that annually live off-campus in University Hall and Stevenson Arms.

Earlier in the semester, Stevenson Arms owner Stan Lieber filed for an injunction against the University and the new housing policy for its possible effect on freshman approved off-campus housing.

At this time, the policy remains unchanged.

Reporter Katie A. Davis can be reached at [email protected]