After enduring an Off-Campus Boarder lottery, forced triples for freshman, juniors living in Claver and a failed plan for garden apartments all in the past year, students finally got their chance to speak up at an open forum with four administrators who are involved with student housing.
Upwards of 200 students came out to fire questions at Vice President for Administrative Services and Director of Student Affairs Mark Reed, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Tom Pellegrino, Director of Residence Life Deborah Cady and Associate Director of Residence Life Jason Downer concerning the increasing student woes over housing.
The forum was agreed upon by FUSA and the administration after FUSA chose not to protest the issue at Admitted Students’ Day.
Senate Chair Dan Lamendola ’09 opened the discussion by challenging the administration to allow students to experience living independent of campus policies and services.
“The students should still have the school to be behind them, but not watching over them,” he said. “Seniors should not be kept on campus in order to keep beds filled. “Independent living is an integral part of the collegiate experience.”
The forum opened with questions targeted at the proposed flaws with the current OCB lottery and the distress of juniors not allowed off campus.
“I don’t know what will happen to current juniors who weren’t let off campus,” said Reed.
“It is a lot more complicated then saying we can do it over. We have to look at it in a broader context,” he said.
Reed insisted that until a new system was put into place, the students would have to abide by the results of the lottery because it would be impossible to satisfy everyone.
“Fairfield as an institution that guarantees students four years of housing, and allows students to apply to be let off campus,” he added. “We have to uphold the integrity of the decision.”
Aside from a minor flare-up from Colin Sheckart ’09, who challenged the panel to “cut the bullshit,” the forum ran smoothly and many important issues were raised, such as the rumored “gentlemen’s agreement” the University has with the town.
“There has been no agreement in paper or over a handshake with the town over a certain number of seniors that can be let off,” Reed said adamantly. “We have discussed the issue with them, and agreed to keep it at a reasonable number.” Chris Winslow ’10 informed the panel that securing a townhouse is becoming a competition.
“The myth that there are no beach houses left by the end of the year is a myth,” said Cady. “In no other circumstance are people expected to sign a lease so early, which really isn’t a smart idea.”
FUSA appealed to Reed and Pellegrino on an emotional level, asking them if they feel sympathetic toward the seniors who were separated from their friends due to the lottery.
“I was in this position myself as a senior here,” said Pellegrino. “There will always be kids disappointed, but it is not impossible to have a good time while living on campus.”
“I thought the forum went very well,” said FUSA President Jeff Seiser ’10. “The next step is on us now. FUSA has to continue with the progress made tonight and continue to work toward what is best for the students.”
[Video by Tom Cleary]
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