The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

Upperclassmen get edge in new room selection changes

Students have mixed reactions towards the revised points system for this year’s room selection process, which now includes class status as a factor.

Under the previous system, students were awarded points from 3-10 based on grade point average amd 0-10 based on judicial history.

But this year, students are awarded additional points based on their year, with the combined GPA and judicial history points being multipled by the corresponding points.

Freshmen scores are multipled by one, Sophomore scores are multipled by two, Juniors by three and Seniors by four.

For example, under last year’s point system, if a junior and sophomore applied for housing and had a 3.75 GPA or higher along with no judicial violations, they would both have scores of 20.

However, with the new system, the junior would have 60 points and the sophomore would have 40 points.

Dominic Petruzelli, director of residence life, said he believes the new system should not be much of a hinderence for students living where ever they choose next semester.

“Anyone has the opportunity to get residence hall of their choice in any hall,” he said. “Students should keep in mind that they are not being punished for their class rank, but they are being rewarded.”

Some underclassmen still feel the new system is unfair.

“It’s like my grades don’t even count,” said freshman Erick Medina. “Even if I had perfect grades and a perfect judicial history if I multiply that by my class rank I only get a 20, while if a senior with the same credentials as mine multiplies 20 by four he or she will get 80.

So who do you think is [going to be able] moving into that townhouse?”

On the other hand, many students believe that as upperclassmen they have earned the right to have first choice of residence halls because they have been here longer.

“It wouldn’t be fair for me to have the same chances as getting into the town houses as a freshmen,” said Alma Rodriguez, a sophomore. “I have seniority and that’s the way it always should have been.”

According to Kavita Mohan, residence life coordinator, the revised points system as well as other changes to this year’s room selection process were the results of student suggestions.

“It was student feedback that led to all these decisions,” she said. “Many students felt that if they were an upcoming senior with a good judicial history and grade point average that should hold some weight over an upcoming sophomore.”

Other room selection modification is the expansion of room selection day, when students select the residence halls where they will live for the follow semester, to an entire week.

“We stretched room selection day to a week for many reasons.” said Petruzelli. “It’s more convenient for the school because when we had room selection day on a Saturday, all the offices on campus were closed. But, more importantly, it’s better for the students.

While there is a new point system there is no actual point requirement for any of the buildings except the town houses.

“The only requirement we ask is that students applying for the town houses have at least a 4 for judicial history” says Mohan.

Also, a new off campus dorm will be opening next semester on Henley Road. According to Petruzzelli and Mohan, it has only doubles with two to four bedroom apartments, a full kitchen, and very close to floor to ceiling sized windows.

While it seems that upperclassmen are receiving all the perks, it seems that the freshman class will gain something as well.
The on-campus upperclassmen hall, Carey Hall, is being converted into a freshman hall as of next semester.

“I wouldn’t say freshman only,” says Petruzelli, “but as of now we are considering moving freshman into Carey Hall.”

Other changes:

Roommate request forms, which are due on March 6, will now be completed electronically.

The new off-campus dorm on Henley Road will open next semester, containing two to four bedroom apartments and a full kitchen.

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