For upperclassman at Aquinas College, the Residence Life Office wants students to love where they don’t live.

A letter was released on November 13, 2009, stating that the housing process will be changed for the 2010-2011 school year “to better meet the needs of the students’ developmental stages.”

According to the letter, students will be housed differently than years past. Instead of housing based on credits, a student’s residency options are based upon their entrance year at Aquinas College:

• Those who began in 2009 have the option of being housed in Ravine Apartments A-C, Meijer Hall, Woodcock Hall, Hruby Hall, Dominican Hall, Knape Hall, or limited space in St. Joes.

• Those who began in 2008 will live in either Ravine Apartment D, the Gatehouse, or any remaining locations on or off campus.

• Those who began in 2007 or 2006 will be housed in any remaining locations on campus.

In a presentation to Student Senate on December 2, the Residence Life office stated that the new process will take place because of four factors:

•Developmental Needs

•Academic Needs

•Judicial Issues

Within the past year, needs on the campus have become more directed at sophomores with the addition of the Sophomore Retention Committee this fall.

Additionally, according to Crystal Sattelburg, Regina Area Coordinator, when focusing on judicial issues, “half of students we’ve had for judicial board are sophomores living off campus.”

Reaction to the changes has been mixed.

“From the students I’ve talked to, [those that] I talk to the most are first years, so they love it. Of the people who are upperclassmen, they are very upset…The initial thought was ‘I’m pissed’ but when they look at it, they’re going to understand,” said Sattelburg.

Adam Kubiak, a Resident Assistant in Ravine Apartment A, agreed with Sattelburg’s statement.

“I know that the initial shock of change always brings with it some harsh feelings, but I really think that once people get over the fact that it is something they’re not used to and think about it rationally, the changes will be received positively,” said Kubiak.

However, sophomore Adam Liberacki disagrees with both of the Residence Life employees.

“The overall culture and conduct of Aquinas students [will] change due to the lack of upperclassmen presence on campus. It was through the older students that I learned what was becoming of an Aquinas student. These students helped to guide me and were always there when I needed help or advice. You will be taking this experience away from incoming classes and denying them the chance to learn what it means to be a Saint,” said Liberacki.

Adding to the housing changes are updates to the Living Learning Committees (LLCs), which “are intended to promote retention and satisfaction in sophomore residence hall environments,” according an Aquinas College Residence Life handout about the LLCs.

Goals of the LLCs, also according to the Residence Life handout, include “providing creative programs…increasing students’ sense of community and responsibility…creating a living/learning environment capable of attracting upper class students…” and more.

Students in Dominican Hall this year were able to experience the Living Learning Communities. However, the Living Learning Community options will change for the 2010-2011 year, expanding from Dominican to the houses and apartments A, B and C.

“Leadership development will occupy the three Woodward Lane houses [Meijer Hall, Knape Hall, and Woodcock Hall]. Each house will have its own theme and will function and operate independently from one another,” according to the LLC handout.

Also, Ravine Apartments A, B, and C will focus on visions. Unity, Wellness, and Creative Expressions will be the focus of Ravine A, B, and C, respectively.

In addition to the changes at the Robinson Road address, next school year, students will no longer be housed in Aquinata due to a variety of reasons.

“Of the people who are in Aquinata, we believe we should be able to house them on campus. Also, our lease has ended, so at this point we have not renewed it. There are probably a handful of people who love Aquinata…but it was only meant to be a two year facility for us anyway,” said Sattelburg.

Because of the restricted availability of on campus housing for upperclassman, Residence Life has worked to find discounted, off campus housing options.

Still, even with Residence Life’s efforts to help find off campus housing, Liberacki feels that the changes will not aid campus life.

“Several of the clubs and organization on campus depend on the leadership provided by the older students. Removing juniors and seniors from campus will detract from their participation in events campus wide. Living off campus makes attending meetings and fulfilling obligations to clubs and organizations harder to fulfill. Maybe participation in such things should be taken into account in the housing draw process,” said Liberacki.

According to Sattelburg, the Office has been researching apartment locations in the surrounding community. However, the Office has been unable to obtain any discounts at this time.

An off campus housing fair will be held on March 24, 2010.

In addition to searching for off campus housing, Residence Life will be continuing the commuter club.

“Students who are living off campus will be invited to certain events on campus so they can still stay connected to Aquinas,” said Sattelburg.

Because of many rumors about the changes, Residence Life insists that angered students should speak to an administrator.

“If [students] are really angry, they should come talk to one of us. We have an open door policy. Come to one of the informative sessions or send an email. We’re trying to be as transparent as possible,” said Sattelburg.

An informative session on the housing changes is scheduled for January 13, 2010.

Any interested student is invited to attend.