Britney Rooks

“BEFORE WE GET STARTED…

It is important to note that the number of applications received routinely exceeds the number of spaces available for housing.

Although we will do our best to accommodate specific lifestyle, halls and roommate requests, it is important to note that the assignments process is based on available space and does not guarantee a specific room or accommodation for every applicant.”

These are the opening words of encouragement from N.C. Central University’s guide to the 2008-2009 fall room sign-up process.

Every student pays a non-refundable annual fee of $100 to guarantee housing for the next year, if he or she plans to return.

So why does Residential Life “routinely” continue to accept applications long after the limit of 1,847 living spaces has been exceeded?

Also, why are students encouraged to pay their deposit early — as if this early payment will help get them a room or roommate of their choice?

Truth be told, making an early deposit doesn’t mean you’ll get what you want for your money.

Once again, this year’s housing sign-ups will take place on the University website.

Last year, many students, including I, were misguided as to how to electronically sign up for their rooms.

Many students followed a misleading link posted on the site.

This caused us to inaccurately apply for housing, and to be placed in a luck-of-the-draw shuffle game.

Eventually I was told I could pick from two or three residential halls in which I had no interest in living.

And I wasn’t alone — this reflects the experience of many students.

Residential Life needs to communicate more and be better organized.

If everyone has paid their money equally, I think it is only fair to treat every student equally when it comes to his or her housing.

The process would be much more fair if students got to select their rooms on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students should be allowed to make their room selection the moment they pay their housing fee.

Also, is it really fair that, regardless of classification, residents of Eagle Landing and Campus Crossings are allowed to retain their living quarters before everyone else?

Why isn’t everyone required to start out fresh when they begin the sign-up process?

Or why doesn’t everyone else get the opportunity to retain their room assignments?

This year, I hope, more students will actually receive the rooms they selected.