Most years, some students-usually those at the very bottom of the list-are placed on an opt-out list, meaning that their housing is not assigned until all transfer, 12-College Exchange and study abroad students have been confirmed. They do not, beyond submitting a brief list of preferences, get to choose where they live and are not notified of their official living situation until August.
Last year there were no opt outs, but this year, approximately 90 students have been placed on the list, not an unusual number in itself. Construction has resulted in a housing crunch, and there seems to be a greater-than-usual amount of grumbling.
The opt-out option-which is more forced than a true option this year-is certainly one of the sources of frustration. The rooms set aside for transfer, 12-College and opt-out students have not changed in the past three years. Such rooms are usually in Moore, Morrow or the Coolidge and Pond Annexes and are considered quite desirable among students. In past years, many opt outs have ended up with better housing than those with a higher pick in room draw, and this is unfair. We feel that the kinds of rooms set aside should be adjusted in response to the housing crunch, namely that some less desirable rooms should be included.
We realize that transfer and 12-College Exchange students, who are usually juniors, should have some priority and receive housing suitable for their class standing. However, sophomore opt outs should not be granted junior-level housing by default.
In addition, we suggest that room draw should be held later, to accommodate those planning to study abroad who haven't heard from their programs. In trying to avoid the Passover holiday, room draw should have moved later, not earlier.