The Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students initiative has brought a myriad of changes for students’ future living arrangements. Though the housing lottery was moved earlier in the semester to help students ease into the changes inherent in CLASS, there has been much speculation during the past few weeks regarding housing grants. Housing grants were introduced three years ago, and 60 students of the Class of 2011, 604 from the Class of 2012, and 682 from the Class of 2013 received the award. Though housing grants will no longer be awarded to incoming freshmen, the students already receiving the grants have faced rumors and confusion in the last few weeks. Families were unsure of what to expect with their financial aid packages if their student decided to move off campus. After reviewing the existing policy and determining a way to smooth out this particular transition, the administration has finally released the revised policy.

The new policy announced that housing grants will no longer be offered to incoming freshmen, starting with the Class of 2014, but instead financial aid based on expected family contribution will be awarded. The new policy also addresses all situations for students in the Classes of 2011, 2012, and 2013, from students living in RPI or greek housing to those who enter the lottery but may not get a room. Most notably, the administration has recognized that this change was not communicated before some students signed leases, and that those students will be able to convert their grants to meal plans for the 2010–2011 academic year. The Poly extends its thanks to the administration for working diligently to make a fair decision, and we hope that this policy has helped alleviate the confusion that has occurred over the past few weeks.

There will be an information session tonight at 8 pm in Rensselaer Union Room 3606 with Associate Dean of Residence Life Amanda Bingel and members of Residence Life for any questions upperclassmen may have. This is the second question-and-answer session of its type, and should be helpful to anyone still making housing decisions. The editorial staff also refers you to “Housing grant policy changes announced” on page 1, for further information on the policy.