Students prepare for off-campus move
Alyssa Hasell
Issue date: 4/4/07 Section: News
Off-Campus Student Affairs is improving existing resources for students as concern grows among upperclassmen about the effects of the new housing priority.
The decision to grant housing priority to underclassmen, in conjunction with The Courtyard confusion, has angered many juniors and seniors since school officials announced the plan in late February.
Residence life officials understand upperclassmen's concerns over fairness and the issue of seniority, but stress the importance of the new two-year commitment freshman and sophomores are required to make by staying on campus, Residence Life Director Cynthia Cassens said.
"Housing priority has to go to them when students have a commitment," Cassens said. "Juniors and seniors have a choice."
The two-year commitment, which spurred the change in housing priority, is based on the typical progression of college student. It begins with the time they spend adjusting to college life and building educational and social foundations, Cassens said. Then students take on internships, co-ops, study abroad and other activities that require more independence.
Kelly Carter, a junior mass communication major, says the two-year commitment is unnecessary.
"I've lived in Phelps for two years," Carter said. "Staying there hasn't helped me adjust to college life. There aren't any social activities that happen in the Phelps dorm. Winthrop should offer more group activities for new students, not make them live on campus for two years."
Though Carter said more could be done for students living on campus, she thinks those forced off campus by the housing priority will need the university's help, too. Safety, transportation and cost might be major concerns for some students, Carter said.
"Some students probably don't want to move off campus because they may not feel safe," Carter said. "If Winthrop allowed our financial aid to pay for apartments off campus, that would be great."
Sean Blackburn, coordinator for Off-Campus Student Affairs, has been working to address each of these concerns. Days before the change in housing priority was announced, Blackburn launched a Web site developed for students looking for off-campus housing. The site features information on being a good neighbor, parties and noise and other issues surrounding off-campus living.
The decision to grant housing priority to underclassmen, in conjunction with The Courtyard confusion, has angered many juniors and seniors since school officials announced the plan in late February.
Residence life officials understand upperclassmen's concerns over fairness and the issue of seniority, but stress the importance of the new two-year commitment freshman and sophomores are required to make by staying on campus, Residence Life Director Cynthia Cassens said.
"Housing priority has to go to them when students have a commitment," Cassens said. "Juniors and seniors have a choice."
The two-year commitment, which spurred the change in housing priority, is based on the typical progression of college student. It begins with the time they spend adjusting to college life and building educational and social foundations, Cassens said. Then students take on internships, co-ops, study abroad and other activities that require more independence.
Kelly Carter, a junior mass communication major, says the two-year commitment is unnecessary.
"I've lived in Phelps for two years," Carter said. "Staying there hasn't helped me adjust to college life. There aren't any social activities that happen in the Phelps dorm. Winthrop should offer more group activities for new students, not make them live on campus for two years."
Though Carter said more could be done for students living on campus, she thinks those forced off campus by the housing priority will need the university's help, too. Safety, transportation and cost might be major concerns for some students, Carter said.
"Some students probably don't want to move off campus because they may not feel safe," Carter said. "If Winthrop allowed our financial aid to pay for apartments off campus, that would be great."
Sean Blackburn, coordinator for Off-Campus Student Affairs, has been working to address each of these concerns. Days before the change in housing priority was announced, Blackburn launched a Web site developed for students looking for off-campus housing. The site features information on being a good neighbor, parties and noise and other issues surrounding off-campus living.
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