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Lantern Point. Powderpuff. The Grape. High Tide. Oktoberfest. The Nauts.
For years, these iconic landmarks and events have persuaded Fairfield seniors to apply to be “released” as off-campus residents. Until last week, juniors feared the end of an era.
Thanks to the work of Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Thomas Pellegrino, and the Office of Residence Life, Fairfield is not getting rid of beach housing. Instead, they are accommodating everyone.
After months of listening to propaganda for new upperclassmen housing on campus, junior students were shocked to find out that Fairfield had pulled through and granted off-campus permission to everyone who applied.
According to a University wide email sent by Pellegrino, this was the smallest release in Fairfield history, but this time, the choice was made by the students rather than the University.
“A major selling point at Fairfield U is the beach and there’s no denying that,” said Joe Del Prete ‘13, an argument that most prospective students consider when applying to Fairfield.
However, the fear of limited off-campus boarder spots was the only pitfall. Until this year.
Students like junior Elizabeth Cortez feared the worst, saying, ”Whether they were rumors or facts, hearing that Fairfield might be getting strict and not going to be letting a lot of juniors off really bummed people out.”
After much doubt that they would be released, Del Prete, Cortez and their peers were overjoyed at the University’s decision, stressing the importance of upperclassmen independence and the right to choose housing by senior year.
Similarly, junior Daniella Scopino and her roommate Samantha MacPhail were “pleasantly surprised that everyone was released.” Additionally, they were also shocked that such a small amount of students applied to live off-campus.
Pellegrino attributed the low number of applicants to housing surveys conducted this past fall which indicated stronger preference to live in new on-campus housing.
Like other Fairfield students, beach living is something that Scopino has been looking forward to since she arrived at Fairfield. “Beach life sets Fairfield apart from other similar level schools,” she said.
For rising juniors, living at the beach is not just about living within walking distance of The Seagrape Bar or having the ability to lay on the beach in their backyard (though who can argue that these are nice perks).
Although there is a great deal of negative press in recent years, living at the beach is not all about the craziness of Clam Jam or disturbing residential neighbors.
Living off campus gives students the freedom and independence to work together, choose roommates and live in an environment that is closer to post-graduate reality, according to many students.
“It’s really awesome that they released all of us so we can all live together on the beach again, forming a sense of senior community,” said Jules Carfora ’13.
Pellegrino cited his understanding that it is “important that we have a wide ‘menu’ of housing options to meet all interests and needs, and [that it] is something that sets us apart from and above our competitors.”
Like Fairfield students, he recognizes the need for options that add freedom and promote independence.
Pellegrino continued to state that he is “proud of that and appreciative of the efforts that Fusa and IRHA put in to helping inform our approach.”
And the juniors could not be happier with the administration.
Del Prete echoed the sentiments of just over 300 juniors, stating: “This is a step in the right direction, not just for housing, but for Fairfield University as a whole … I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are truly grateful for the opportunity to live and grow off-campus.”
Similarly, Grayson Phillips ’13 seemed to have answered the administration’s prayers, stating: “The administration will be with happy with their decision because the students are happy … I also think seniors next year will be more willing to cooperate with the school on future issues next year.”
But Kevin Bachman ‘13 said it the best: “For once, everyone on both sides can be happy with an administrative decision.”
According to MacPhail, “the only stress left is finding the perfect house!”
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