Block draw moves to BannerWeb Process goes online, student concerns still present

Author: Katie Hylas

In an attempt to allay some room draw stress, the block draw process has been restructured and transferred online to BannerWeb. The process was altered in response to student vocalization that the system was overly complicated and confusing, but since only the actual registration process is changed this year, many student objections

remain unattended.

Previously during block draw, one representative for a potential block had to calculate commons points, manually complete forms and hand-deliver them to his or her respective commons office. Assistant Dean of the College Kelly Bevere said of the paper approach to block draw, "It was a hassle and created more anxiety about the process."

Block draw will now be coordinated via computer. One representative will still log into his or her BannerWeb account and list the identification numbers of the people he or she wants to live with along with a list in order of preference of blocks they would like to live in. The primary differenace is that the system will use the ID numbers to calculate commons points and assign blocks according to preferences listed by the group representative.

Bevere stressed that block draw is not first-come, first-serve like registration is. Group representatives will be able to apply for blocks at their leisure anytime from April 12 at 8:30 a.m. to April 14 at 8:30 a.m.

Upperclassmen have voiced concerns that the updated block draw process, which combines the previously distinct large and small block draws, decreases flexibility. Because the BannerWeb process only allows students to devise increasingly smaller blocks rather than rearranged block applications, the process diminishes students' opportunities to devise contingency plans if original plans fall through.

However, students find it difficult to discuss block draw without discussing the commons system.

Mohammed Almzayyen '09 said, "I think that the system is the only fair way to distribute the rooms. However, some commons have much better facilities or more single rooms than others." Robert Gosney '09 agrees, "Block draw is fine, but the commons system is not fair in terms of number of rooms per grade."

The block draw differential between commons is also disturbing to students. Ross Commons and Wonnacott Commons have 19 and 22 block draws available to all classes respectively, while Cook Commons only has seven. The other major student concern is the fact that the commons into which students are placed cannot necessarily house them in following years. Many students may get pushed into summer draw and become separated from their commons.

It also appears that information is scarce among students, although a number of information sessions were held - especially first- years. When asked about his feelings toward BannerWeb registration for block draw, one first-year asked, "Wait! Do you know when the block draw is?" and, "Wait! Where is that stuff online?"

Eric DePriester '09 claimed, "Most of my information comes from second hand sources." Confusion is commonly associated with block draw - BannerWeb registration is intended to simplify the process.

Dana Isaac '08 complained that the system is "unnecessarily complicated and difficult." She also commented on scarce information, saying, "Last year our JCs weren't very clear with us."

Information about room draw is online at http://www.middlebury.edu/campuslife/commons/housing/.

CRAs can also serve as valuable resources for information.

Bevere expressed hope that some of the anxiety of room draw would be alleviated by the computerized block draw process. The online registration cannot entirely eliminate the confusion surrounding block draw but hopefully the new web-based interface will curb some of the student complaints.