By CARRIE LUNDGREN
Although the letters were sent two years ago, some students are still questioning whether upperclassmen are really welcome to on-campus housing.
Melissa Kipp, 21, a junior from Brookfield, Conn., majoring in management information systems, remembers the letter sent out to students during the academic year of 1997 to 1998.
“We were told that about 500 new freshmen were accepted and that upperclassmen would need to petition before being readmitted to the dorms,” Kipp said.
Due to an increasing number of newly admitted freshmen, Kipp and other residents received letters explaining the need to find other housing in order to make room for the new students.
“We sent a letter to students who were already living on campus explaining that we were not going to be able to accommodate them for another year unless they had special circumstances,” said Julie Franklin, director of housing services.
In the fall of 1997, between 500 to 600 more freshmen were admitted than previous years, said Franklin.
“The assumption was made that that rate would continue by a number of academic and student services administrators. They felt the need was greater for new coming students to live on campus,” Franklin said.
With the decision made, students who wanted to return were discouraged and began searching elsewhere.
Kipp’s petition to return was accepted and she received a room the following year. However, other students’ experiences were not as smooth
“I know that many did not know where they were going to stay,” said Allison Hollingsworth, 20, a junior from Mineral Wells, Texas, majoring in psychology and human development. “After April, we learned that there would be room and that returning students could live on campus. Many lost money because they cancelled contracts so that they could move back to campus,” Hollingsworth said.
With rooms available this year, upperclassmen are invited to campus resident housing.
“Students can still sign up. There are spaces still available,” Franklin said.
Returning students signing up for the 2000-2001 academic year are able to choose from a variety of incentives.
Money vouchers, free computer use, and BYU bookstore certificates are just some of the familiar offered incentives.
Students who are interested in returning to resident housing may contact the Morris Center, the Cannon Center, the Heritage Halls Central Building, or the Housing Business Offices for further information.
