This Wednesday at 4:30 (in McCullough) we’re hosting our second and final student forum to discuss changes to the Commons system. If turnout is anything like it was at the first forum—5 or 6 students—then I will be inclined to believe (along with the President) that students are basically okay with this change and that [...]

Housing: the bête noire of Commons. Concerns about real estate and room assignments permeate discussions of the Commons, frequently overshadowing the system’s programmatic benefits. The hope is that by addressing these concerns, we can get to the good stuff more easily. My purpose in this post is to describe in concrete terms what the 4/2 [...]

We — and here I mean administrators — need to do a better job explaining what the so-called 4/2 Commons plan gives in the way of educational benefits. Yes, we should certainly explain how the new plan will address student concerns about housing inequities, and enable juniors and seniors freer choice in selecting rooms and [...]

In its editorial this week, the CAMPUS expresses cautious enthusiasm for the 4/2 Commons plan that has administrators like myself “oozing cautiously enthusiastic optimism.” The editors urge us administrators to “tread thoughtfully and carefully” in our planning around the Commons. Good advice, and not just because too much enthusiasm can trip up a well-intentioned planning [...]

By now, word is out on campus that the administration is looking hard at a new way of organizing the Commons. Loosely called the 4/2 plan, the new way features a 4-year Commons affiliation and a 2-year residency. First years and sophomores would reside in their Commons, but juniors and seniors would be free to [...]