Advisory board looks at new residential plan

The Residential Advisory Board voiced concern over numerous aspects of the administration's 21st Century Project at its last meeting. Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone presented the goals of the plan, which include providing more informal student and faculty interaction and creating cohesive units for students. Simeone told RAB that this would most likely result in dividing the campus into approximately 12 college houses. At the meeting, RAB raised many questions as to how this program will be implemented. Concern was expressed over how first-year students will be assigned to a college house. College sophomore and Vice President of RAB Public Relations Josh Rockoff, also a member of the Undergraduate Assembly, asked how freshmen would be chosen for each house. "Will it be based on interests like the present college house system or will it just be random or something else?" he questioned. And RAB co-Chairperson and College junior Billy Kung voiced similar concerns. "The question is what if students want to pick where they live and if they would be more comfortable living in the Quad or DuBois or vice versa," he explained. The proposed advising system also came under criticism at the meeting. RAB members felt that advising may be less efficient if each residential program has its own advisors. "The advising system hasn't been worked out in full nature," Kung said. "It seems like this will decentralize the university since each house will have own services." Kung also questioned whether more staff will need to be hired and whether the same amount of services will be located in each residence. Other RAB concerns included the future of community living and what would happen if certain houses became more popular due to their location. Collegiate Planning Committee Chairperson Bob Lucid, an English professor, said he is anxious to meet with RAB. "This is the simple truth," he said. "I am very excited to have a meeting of the minds." Simeone said she is optimistic that RAB's concerns will be addressed. "The potential of a residential college system is great, and I know that faculty and students will try to listen to students and take them into account," she said. Even with all of their doubts, RAB members also remains positive.