We would like to respond to a recent editorial in the Daily ("Too much waiting," March 30) on the Office of Residential Life and Learning (ORLL).
Too much waiting you think? It's interesting how Tufts University seems to breed so many overeager and unreasonable students. Before we elaborate on the responsibilities of the ORLL, allow us to ask a few questions. Logistically, does it make a difference if students know their housing assignment in March or in May? How long does it take to plan for and furnish an 8x11 foot rectangular dorm room?
The editorial said "the needs of the current freshman class must be a priority since they are required by university policy to live on campus next year." If concerned students had read the housing forecast that was posted on the same page as the lottery numbers, the freshman waitlist wouldn't have come as a surprise. We quote: "All are guaranteed on-campus housing ... Some at the end of the range may be on the waitlist at the time of lottery but are guaranteed assignments on-campus." Due to the unexpected amount of rising sophomores who chose to live in special interest or Greek housing next year, the office cannot predict how many current freshmen will be living in dorms. Contrary to popular belief, the office does not hire fortune tellers.
The "notoriously unorganized" office discussed in the editorial does not exist. The new staff has done a superb job of surpassing the expectations held of the office. Please remember, the office assumes that all students are competent and independent individuals who have the ability to accurately read a Web site and the housing lottery packets that were e-mailed. If every student did this, ORLL director Yolanda King would have the time to attend to those with more serious housing issues. The lack of independence of students on this campus simply baffles us. Does it make sense that parents of 20-year-olds call the office about trivial issues?
So kiddies, the lesson we learned today is that with a little initiative and independence you can go a long way in this world ... especially when it comes to the ORLL.
Abena Agyemang '07
and Jasmine Tatum '08
ORLL student staff members
