At final call, Berkeleyites embrace swing space

By Drew Swan

PATRICK MCGARVEY/YH The Berkeley swing space, which features private bathrooms, small kitchen-ettes, and lounging furniture, has convinced more students to stay on campus.

The appeal of the swing space's special features has prompted more Berkeley students to choose to live on-campus than the Administration had originally expected. At the room draw for members of the classes of '00 and '99 on Tues., Mar. 31, Dean Laurence Winnie told frustrated sophomores that some would have to change from doubles to triples to accommodate the unexpected surge of on-campus Berkeley students.

Ironically, Berkeley administrators had expected a surplus of empty rooms in the new building. Many members of the tight-knit Berkeley class of '99 denounced the swing space plan last year, complaining that the new location would deprive them of the traditional Yale experience.

Charlie Flynn, BK '00, a member of the Housing Committee, expressed concern that upset juniors would flee off-campus in "a mass exodus." Last fall, Berkeley mounted a "marketing campaign," bringing in the project architect to describe the swing space, and displaying a scale model of a suite in the Cross Campus Library.

Now it appears that the plan worked too well. Only half of the class of '99 signed up on the preliminary on-campus housing sheet before Spring Break, suggesting lower-than-normal numbers of on-campus students next year. Dean Winnie pledged three-room doubles for all juniors and seniors, and triples or quads for sophomores.

By Monday afternoon, however, 80 percent of the juniors had officially opted to live in the swing space, according to Flynn and Winnie. The increase of about 30 Berkeleyites forced major reconfiguration. Rising sophomores will now live in groups of four and "six suites of [rising] juniors will be in triples," Flynn confirmed.

Amber Gross, BK '00, characterized this year's housing process as "a roller coaster experience." Gross had planned to move off-campus, but the promise of a three-room double swayed her to live in the swing space. The recent changes, however, may force Gross to live in a triple--and find an additional roommate. Tin Ngo, BK '00, echoed Gross's feelings of frustration. "If we had known that we [might have to live in a triple], we would have gone off campus," he said.

Regardless of the recent housing setbacks for some, all Berkeleyites will enjoy free cable TV connections, top-floor skylights, bright lighting, private bathrooms, and small kitchenettes with two-burner ranges, microwaves, and sinks. In addition, the college decided to furnish all 108 suites with couches, dining tables, and arm chairs. Winnie hopes that this provision will protect the new building from damage normally caused by students moving in their own heavy furniture.

The primary feature that the swing space lacks is a dining hall. Berkeley administrators and Yale University Dining Services (YUDS) have designed a plan in which swing space students can eat all 21 of their meals in a reserved section of Commons.

The serving area in Commons will be renovated over the summer to improve service. "Now all the preparation is done in the basement. [Next year], the service will be in plain view, like at the School of Management," YUDS Assistant Director Eric Uscinski explained.

Commons has a different collection of cooking equipment than the residential colleges, which will alter the Berkeley menu selection slightly, Uscinski said. Some Berkeleyites questioned how many would eat in the temporary section. "Stiles and Morse are a lot closer," Greg Emerson, BK '00, said. Katy Lister, BK '00, said that she would be more likely to prepare meals in her kitchenette than dine
at Commons.

Despite the recent controversies, Berkeleyites are generally eager to move into the swing space. Construction of the swing space is well on schedule, according to project director Mark Malkin. Dean Winnie added that the mild "El Niño" winter allowed workers to get a good head start. Yale College Dean Richard Brodhead, BR '68, GRD '72, recently toured the swing space. "It's surprisingly spacious, and it's going to be a great-looking building," he said.

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