Dramatic Increase in Freshman Enrollment Triggers Alteration in First-Year Residential Accommodations at Holy Cross College
Holy Cross Faces Challenges with Over-Enrollment and Triple Housing
The College of the Holy Cross is grappling with the impact of over-enrollment, leading to a shift in residential arrangements for some students. The Office of Residence Life and Housing has introduced triple and quad rooms, a change that has sparked concerns among students regarding its effect on mental health and living experiences.
Antonio Willis-Berry '13, the Director of Residence Life and Housing, acknowledges the major adjustment this change represents. He also believes that students in triples tend to communicate more openly about expectations compared to those in doubles. However, the increase in room occupancy has led to reports of decreased privacy, increased noise, and difficulties in managing personal space, which some students claim adversely affect their mental well-being.
Despite the lack of comprehensive institutional studies or precise mental health metrics, the reports highlight significant student dissatisfaction and psychological strain linked to these housing conditions. The school has not yet finalised the exact number of triple rooms, with a decision expected in Summer 2025.
To address these concerns, the Office of Residence Life and Housing plans to show more incoming first-year students triple and quad rooms, and will work to implement changes over the summer. The school aims to keep class sizes the same, but the yield continues to rise.
In other news, The Spire, the flagship campus newspaper of Holy Cross, celebrated its centennial year on March 22, 2023. The event brought together three alumni from The Spire and HerCampus, two of the college's student journalism groups, to speak to students.
In a positive note, the school has set aside $76.5 million to cover tuition for students coming from families with annual incomes of less than $75,000 in the 2022-2023 academic year. This initiative has benefited 65% of the student body at Holy Cross.
The college has also received over 10,000 applications for the most recent admissions cycle, indicating a high level of interest in the institution. Despite the challenges, Holy Cross remains committed to providing an enriching and supportive environment for its students.
- The Office of Residence Life and Housing at Holy Cross is considering showing more incoming first-year students triple and quad rooms to help address concerns related to over-enrollment.
- The school's commmitment to students' mental health is a concern, with reports suggesting that increased room occupancy has led to decreased privacy and increased noise, potentially adversely affecting students' mental well-being.
- In an effort to support education and self-development, Holy Cross has allocated $76.5 million to cover tuition for students from low-income families, benefiting 65% of its student body.
- The school's flagship campus newspaper, The Spire, celebrated its centennial year with an event that brought together alumni and student journalism groups to speak to students.
- Despite heavy enrollment and shifting housing arrangements, Holy Cross remains dedicated to offering a supportive and enriching environment for its students, as indicated by the numerous applications it received for the recent admissions cycle (over 10,000 applications).
- To stay connected within the community, alumni, news, features on arts, events, and lifestyle are all important aspects of Holy Cross's college culture, offering opportunities for continued engagement and learning beyond the classroom.
