Though it usually leaves some students unsatisfied, the housing selection process for the 2009-2010 academic year has left more than usual frustrated with their future housing assignments.

"I've had 379 scheduled meetings with students as well as a large number of walk-ins in regards to students who want to talk about their housing assignment," said Director of Housing Assignments Jason Jakubowski. "I want to help whenever possible."

Jakubowski said that during meetings with students he reiterates how the lottery is seniority-based and that all rooms on campus have been assigned through the lottery process.

"When all spaces are assigned, we don't have vacancies to work with. So we wait for vacancies that open up as students plans change: They decide to study abroad, travel, work, intern," he said. "As we collect vacancies, we can look for opportunities to help. This takes time and patience since most vacancies are not confirmed until summer."

Michelle Colvin, a rising junior, was switched from a single room in the all-women Cole Hall to a single room in Carmichael Towers II after requesting the change.

"Mr. Jakubowski was very helpful and thoughtful throughout the whole process. He understood my predicament and helped me optimize my situation," she said.

Currently, 8 percent - or 47 students - of future Kissam Quadrangle residents are rising juniors. Contrary to rumors that housing ran out of room for them elsewhere, however, these students have either chosen to reserve rooms in the area or will be Resident Advisers.

Another question on the minds of many is whether there is enough room to occupy students required to living on campus as part of the university's effort to become an entirely residential campus. According to Jakubowski, there is a wait list of 34 students. He said he is not worried about the current situation, however.

"I've been in touch personally with every student on the wait list to explain how we work to find them rooms," he said. "We know vacancies will occur and then we'll be able to get them situated."

To help open up some rooms to house those students on the wait list and to have more students receive their preferred housing, Jakubowski said Housing has also permitted an additional 100 off-campus requests to rising seniors. Of the 325 seniors who originally received permission, many declined.