Residence numbers stay stable

Based on the number of students who have already applied to live in campus residences next year, University officials speculate that the number of students living on campus will remain stable. "It's hard to judge the numbers quite yet, because we haven't had all of our final deadlines yet," said Ellie Rupsis, the Housing and Residence Life administrator in charge of occupancy. "But so far there seems to be about the same number of students applying as in years past." The application processes for the high rises' community living and retention options have already been completed, and registration for the arena process begins this week. Deadlines vary for the different college houses. Rupsis said her department successfully accommodated all those who applied for community living. "We had roughly 900 applicants, and were able to keep all the groups together," she said. "Some room combinations were not possible in order to accommodate everyone most fairly, but we did our best," she added. The community living option offers three-room quads and two-room units, either with or without a kitchen. Although several students said they were upset over the recent announcement of a 2 percent increase in high rise rent rates for next fall, many said the increase will not affect their decision to remain on campus. College sophomore Grace Huang, a current high rise resident, said she is concerned about the rent increase, but will not cancel her contract for next year. The high rises "are appealing because so many people live there, and they have the benefits of ResNet," she said. Rupsis said students who want to cancel their contracts "due to financial difficulties in covering the 2 percent increase" should contact the Department of Housing and Residence Life before the end of the week. "It is only fair to do so before the arena takes place," she said. "If done before then, we can waive the cancelation fee usually involved in canceling contracts." And she added that students who encounter "unpredictable problems" covering rent costs in the middle of the year can petition to have the cancelation fee waived then as well. Residential Life Acting Director Chris Dennis said he is satisfied with the current numbers for students wishing to live on campus next fall, but hopes for an increase in future years. "I hope students will consider living on campus," he said. "We are working hard on academics development and community programs within on-campus living." Dennis added that the Residential Advisory Board is planning an upcoming survey of current high rise residents to better determine student needs. "We are hoping to make optimum use of the spaces available, and add what students want ? like a fitness center and performing arts practice spaces." Additionally, after the completion of the Biddison Hier survey -- expected to be released next month -- administrators plan to reevaluate the current residence system. Rupsis said there is still space available in the high rises and college houses for next year, and students can still register for the arena process next week.