Unprecedented Admission Influx Triggers Housing Overhaul for Freshmen at Holy Cross College
In a bid to accommodate an unexpected surge in student enrolment, living arrangements for first-year students at Holy Cross have undergone significant changes this academic year. The repurposing of temporary housing options, such as Loyola Hall, traditionally a dormitory building, has become necessary to accommodate the overflow of students. However, these altered living conditions have raised concerns about the residential experiences and mental health of the new students.
The transition into college life has been marked by crowded and cramped living conditions compared to traditional dorm setups. The reduced privacy and diminished sense of personal space have made it challenging for students to build community and feel connected within the dorm environment. These altered living conditions have also been linked to increased stress and negative effects on students' mental health, contributing to a more stressful transition into college life.
The College of the Holy Cross has taken steps to address these concerns. Antonio Willis-Berry '13, the Director of Residence Life and Housing, has confirmed that the department will be working to implement needed changes over the summer. The College has also covered tuition for students coming from families with annual incomes of less than $100,000 since the 2022-2023 academic year.
Despite the College's efforts, some students have reported that their forced housing arrangements, both in triples and quads, have had a negative impact on their mental health. Opposition to the increase in forced triples and quads at Holy Cross has been expressed by members within the community, with Lepper stating, "I am shocked and disappointed to see Residence Life choosing to continue forcing students to live in situations that do not respect their needs for personal space and privacy."
The administration must address these issues caused by Holy Cross's rise in popularity before they are exacerbated. The school has surpassed over 10,000 applicants in the most recent admissions' cycle, and the acceptance rate for the most recent admissions' cycle was a record-breaking 17%.
One proposed solution for the housing shortage is opening up study abroad and maymester opportunities to first-year students. Multiple departments are expected to work together to brainstorm ideas for mitigating the housing shortage at Holy Cross.
The size of rooms housing triples and quads does not allow for a comfortable layout, increasing the anxieties of first-year students adjusting to campus life. Every incoming student will have access to a bed, desk, desk chair, dresser, and wardrobe, but the spatial constraints remain a concern.
The Spire and HerCampus, two student journalism groups at Holy Cross, recently hosted an event to celebrate The Spire's centennial year. The event provided a platform for students to voice their concerns and suggestions for improving the residential experience at Holy Cross.
Over-enrollment has become a significant issue at Holy Cross, and the College's response to this challenge has had a profound impact on the residential satisfaction and mental health of first-year students. The College's efforts to address these issues are a testament to its commitment to student welfare in the face of campus housing shortages.
- The residential experiences and mental health of first-year students at Holy Cross have been affected by the repurposing of temporary housing options, causing concerns about the crowded living conditions and reduced privacy.
- Antonio Willis-Berry '13, the Director of Residence Life and Housing, has confirmed that the department will be working to implement changes over the summer.
- Despite the College's efforts, some students have reported that their forced housing arrangements, both in triples and quads, have had a negative impact on their mental health.
- The administrators must address the housing shortage and the negative effects on students' mental health before they are exacerbated, as the school has surpassed over 10,000 applicants in the latest admissions cycle.
- One proposed solution for the housing shortage is opening up study abroad and maymester opportunities to first-year students, with multiple departments working together to brainstorm ideas for mitigating the issue.
- The Spire and HerCampus, two student journalism groups at Holy Cross, recently hosted an event to celebrate The Spire's centennial year, providing a platform for students to voice their concerns and suggestions for improving the residential experience at Holy Cross.
