2008 Woodie Awards
Students offer views on 4/2
Cloe Shasha
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: News
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President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz and Dean of the College Tim Spears held the first of two meetings on Oct. 18 to discuss the "'4/2' Commons (Draft) Outline." Though students from four out of the College's five commons were present, the meeting was sparsely attended.
Spears began by reviewing the basic structure of the 4/2 proposal, and emphasized both the sophomore experience and equitable senior and junior housing opportunities. Topics covered included commons-specific housing allotment, the management of the Feb program, the connection between commons deans and students and the housing lottery process. The discussion concluded with questions put towards the students about the pros and cons of the 4/2 Plan.
Before the meeting began, Student Government Association President Max Nardini '08, a resident of Wonnacott Commons, said, "I have not yet heard much objection to the idea of the 4/2 Commons Outline."
Under the 4/2 Plan, students will still be part of one of five commons for all four years at Middlebury. After sophomore year, senior and junior draw will be conducted via lottery for all Middlebury housing, based on seniority.
"The idea is that … the kind of support that students need and appreciate are present during the first two years," said Spears. "Students, particularly older students, complain that they cannot live with their friends from other commons. There is a sense that, because this is a small campus, students do not want to be confined to a particular location. With the 4/2 Plan, we will build on the strength of the commons as they are currently constituted."
Most of the College's structural traditions will either remain intact or improve with the 4/2 Plan, according to College officials. Students will retain the same dean and heads throughout all four years. The first-year seminar program will become fully commons-based. Sophomores will still have the option of living in non-commons-affiliated academic interest houses or social houses.
Spears began by reviewing the basic structure of the 4/2 proposal, and emphasized both the sophomore experience and equitable senior and junior housing opportunities. Topics covered included commons-specific housing allotment, the management of the Feb program, the connection between commons deans and students and the housing lottery process. The discussion concluded with questions put towards the students about the pros and cons of the 4/2 Plan.
Before the meeting began, Student Government Association President Max Nardini '08, a resident of Wonnacott Commons, said, "I have not yet heard much objection to the idea of the 4/2 Commons Outline."
Under the 4/2 Plan, students will still be part of one of five commons for all four years at Middlebury. After sophomore year, senior and junior draw will be conducted via lottery for all Middlebury housing, based on seniority.
"The idea is that … the kind of support that students need and appreciate are present during the first two years," said Spears. "Students, particularly older students, complain that they cannot live with their friends from other commons. There is a sense that, because this is a small campus, students do not want to be confined to a particular location. With the 4/2 Plan, we will build on the strength of the commons as they are currently constituted."
Most of the College's structural traditions will either remain intact or improve with the 4/2 Plan, according to College officials. Students will retain the same dean and heads throughout all four years. The first-year seminar program will become fully commons-based. Sophomores will still have the option of living in non-commons-affiliated academic interest houses or social houses.
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