College finds success in 4/2, so far

Author: Hilary Hall

It has been one year since the College introduced the 4/2 Commons System, hoping it would generate closer student bonds and increase communication between residential life staff and their commons residents. Reflecting on the past year, many students give it mixed reviews, and, with the closing of Atwater dining hall, question the desirability of certain once highly sought-after housing options. From an administrative position, however, the 4/2 system has thus far achieved its goals.

The 4/2 structure requires students to live in the same Commons for the first two years they attend Middlebury, while for the next two they may choose to live in any of the five residential communities.

"I've heard mostly good things," said Acting Provost Tim Spears. "It is absolutely the right fit right now. Students who have been here longer should get to have choice and live with friends."

Yet, as with everything at the College these days, he thinks it is prudent to review whether or not certain aspects of the system, such as some parts of the Sophomore Experience and other programs that the various Commons offer now, can continue with the economic crisis.

"Given where we are in the fiscal situation, we're looking at all aspects of the budget," Spears remarked. "There continue to be concerns about whether students are taking advantage of the programs."

Some students agree that some facets of the 4/2 system are unnecessary.

"[First-year Counselors] and [Resident Assistants], as well as commons deans, are essential parts of the residential life staff," said Evan Doyle '11. "But other positions, such as [Commons Residential Advisors] and various assistants, seem unnecessary."

Many students also expressed concern over certain restrictive qualities of the 4/2 system.

"Housing draw comes up really fast for First-year Febs. The fact that they are restricted within their Commons makes it even more difficult. The Commons system may make logistics easier, but I don't think it is beneficial for sophomores," said Emma Drucker '11.5.

Restrictions in terms of disciplinary response also create issues for many students, as they feel that not all Commons deans give the same punishments.

"The only time I've really heard people talk about the Commons system is in relation to how strict their dean is," said Erika Berger '11. "Some kids talk about how they would rather be in another Commons because their dean is more understanding. There should be no differentiation as to how the deans treat their students. There's only one honor code."

With room draw just around the corner, though, the question that looms on many students' minds is that of whether Atwater commons is a valuable living area anymore. The Atwater suites, once the cr